Prediction: Manchester City vs Luton

Verdict: Manchester City to win both halves

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will welcome Luton to the Etihad.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, eventually forced to settle for what was a remarkable 3-3 stalemate away at Spanish icons Real Madrid earlier in the week, Manchester City will be excited to turn their attention back to Premier League duties here. Making real history last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions, Pep Guardiola’s men have their sights firmly set on breaking even more records this year. Getting their hands on a maiden Champions League crown, the Sky Blues are unbeaten in all of their previous 26 appearances across all competitions – a purple patch that stems all the way back to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa on December 6th. Looking to briefly climb to the top of the Premier League table this weekend, City are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide contender here.

Team News

Missing out earlier in the week and not even making the trip over to Madrid, England international Kyle Walker is not expected to feature on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, missing all of City’s last three appearances across all competitions, Dutch international Nathan Ake remains on the sidelines.

While Kevin De Bruyne might have been forced to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek after dealing with a late illness, the Belgium ace should make a full return. Once again finding the net away on Champions League duties on Tuesday night, the red-hot Phil Foden will play a leading role here.

Luton

As for the visitors, mounting what was a stunning last-gasp comeback against Bournemouth last weekend, Luton claimed what could turn out to be a season-defining victory at Kenilworth Road. Eventually clinching a 2-1 victory, Rob Edwards’ men have continued to receive a string of plaudits since making their shock Premier League return this season. Making the trip to Manchester on Saturday afternoon with just their goal difference keeping them in the drop zone, the Hatters will be desperate to spring an almighty upset at the Etihad this weekend. However, mustering just a single victory from any of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions, Luton couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Crashing out of the FA Cup on February 27th thanks to a 6-2 drumming against City, Edwards’ side will simply be hoping for a more polished performance.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a stacked injury lost at Kenilworth Road, Luton will travel to Manchester without the likes of Elijah Adebayo, Mads Juel Andersen, Jacob Brown, Tom Lockyer and former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba here.

Bagging what was a dramatic last-gasp winner against Bournemouth last weekend and notching nine Premier League goals this season, 28-year-old Carlton Morris will spearhead Edwards’ charge at the Etihad. Continuing to shine this season, former England international Ross Barkley will start at the heart of Luton’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Luton last met while in FA Cup action on February 27th, the Sky Blues picked up a 6-2 romp at Kenilworth Road.
• Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous 26 appearances across all competitions.
• Luton have collected just a single win from any of their previous 12 appearances across all formats.
• Manchester City have scored 11 goals in their last three matchups across all competitions.
• England international Phil Foden has recorded 21 goals across all competitions this season.

Conclusion

Although Manchester City might have failed to clinch a Champions League first-leg advantage in midweek, the Sky Blues will be excited to turn their attention back to domestic duties. Handed a golden chance to at least briefly climb to the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola’s men are rightly tipped as a landslide contender here. Storming their way to a 6-2 romp when they travelled to Kenilworth Road while in FA Cup action on February 27th, it is hard to see anything other than a similar dominant home victory.

Verdict: Manchester City to win both halves

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet