Liverpool vs Luton Town: Preview, Team News & Predictions
Liverpool prepare to host Luton Town at Anfield for their second of two matches in the 25th round of games in the Premier League, on Wednesday February 21st.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds ran riot at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, claiming a convincing 4-1 victory to make it six wins in their last seven league games.
They must’ve been buoyed when Chelsea halted Manchester City’s 11-match winning run by snatching a point at the Etihad, but there’s no room for dwelling on past success in this merciless league. Arsenal, back in the title race, are a transformed attack that has scored five or more goals in three out of the last five matches in the top-flight.
As it stands, Liverpool are two points ahead of the Gunners and will rely on their 24-game unbeaten home run in the PL amidst a raft of injury setbacks.
Meanwhile Luton have impressed one and all but find themselves in 18th place after Everton’s draw versus Crystal Palace.
Rob Edwards’ side showed nerves of steel and gave Manchester United a run for their money at Kenilworth Road, once again highlighting their grit and resilience.
But Liverpool away from home is arguably the most demanding fixture of the league calendar, and they’ll have to execute the perfect heist if they’re to win their first-ever fixture at Anfield.
Also read: Liverpool’s 5 Biggest Wins Under Jurgen Klopp
Team News
Liverpool
The impressive win at Brentford was overshadowed by a slew of injury setbacks. Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s most in-form player during Mohamed Salah’s absence, was stretchered off after a lusty blow to his knee. He’s set to miss the EFL Cup final on the weekend as well, along with Curtis Jones.
The same goes for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and Thiago. Alisson is unlikely to feature in this one due to a hamstring injury, while reports have emerged over Salah’s availability as well – indicating the talisman could miss the final on Sunday.
Luton Town
Luton Town’s man of the hour, Elijah Adebayo, is nursing a hamstring injury sustained during warm-ups leading up to the Manchester United game. His involvement remains in doubt, whereas Marvelous Nakamba and Mads Andersen have already been ruled out.
Unfortunately, Tom Lockyer may not play competitive football again following a second worrying collapse.
Predicted XI
Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
Luton Town (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Ogbene, Lokonga, Barkley, Doughty; Townsend, Chong; Morris
Match Prediction
The Reds will undoubtedly look to stretch the Luton back three by plugging in the gaps left open by the attack-minded Chiedozie Ogbene and Alfie Doughty. One can expect them to hold back their average positions on the pitch, which would enable the hosts to double up on the midfielders. Either way, the task looks next to impossible for a proactive Luton side. Liverpool should be too good for them on the evening despite the injuries.
Predicted score: Liverpool 3-0 Luton Town
Also read: Mbappe Confirms Intent To Leave PSG
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool by Mike Pennington. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.