Prediction: Luton Town vs Manchester United

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to make up some ground in the Champions League chase this weekend, Manchester United will travel to Luton on Sunday afternoon.

Luton Town

Starting with the hosts, missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity last weekend as they eventually slumped to a costly 3-1 drumming at home against Sheffield United, Luton find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. While Rob Edwards’ side might have continued to receive plenty of praise since making their shock Premier League return this season, the Hatters currently find themselves holding just a single-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone. However, despite suffering a first defeat of 2024, Luton have shown some extended inconsistencies on home soil. While Sunday’s hosts might have collected some eye-catching scalps at Kenilworth Road, the Bedfordshire-based outfit have won just a pair of their previous seven showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems back to November 25th.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since back on December 10th, Luton will once again be without former Aston Villa midfield Marvelous Nakamba on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, Danish defender Mads Juel Andersen is not expected to feature at Kenilworth Road.

Bagging back-to-back Premier League strikes since opening February, Carlton Morris will once again have a leading role to play here. Continuing to shine this season, former Chelsea star Ross Barkley will partner Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga at the heart of Luton’s midfield.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have found themselves at the heart of a public struggle when signing off 2023, Erik ten Hag’s men have come roaring back in some style. Last seen putting in an eye-catching performance away at Aston Villa as they secured a 2-1 victory, he former Ajax boss has seen his squad win all of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions. Appearing to have turned a real corner since opening the New Year, the Red Devils will be desperate to make another statement here. Extending on their FA Cup adventure last month as they secured an action-packed 4-2 victory against League Two outfit Newport, ten Hag’s side find the mood in their camp at a season-high. Gaining a recent reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, United should be relishing a trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Dealing with what looks set to be a long-term knee injury and facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Manchester United will be without defensive talisman Lisandro Martinez on Sunday afternoon. All still dealing with respective injury issues, ten Hag’s side are also unable to call upon the likes of Mason Mount, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia.

Enjoying what has been a stellar free-scoring run and finding the net in all of his previous five appearances on the spin, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead United’s charge here. Bagging the winner against Aston Villa last weekend, Scott McTominay could be handed a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Luton and Manchester United met for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 11th, ten Hag’s men collected a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
• The Red Devils have won all of their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 13-6.
• Denmark international Rasums Hojlund has found the net in all of his previous five domestic appearances on the bounce.
• Luton have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances in front of their own supporters.
• All of Luton’s five fixtures across all formats have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Appearing to have turned a real corner since opening 2024, Manchester United will be desperate to extend on their purple patch here. Snatching a late 2-1 victory away at Aston Villa last weekend and now winning all of their previous four domestic appearances on the bounce, ten Hag’s side could be smelling a potential opportunity here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Luton to Old Trafford for their reverse showdown on November 11th, we are expecting a similar outcome.

Verdict: Manchester United win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster