Luton Town v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Luton host Arsenal . It’s the first meeting between the sides in 32 years with the Gunners aiming to win a fourth straight league match. The Hatters have won two of their last nine matches and are outside the relegation zone thanks to Everton’s point deduction.

Luton Town Form

Luton started life in the top-flight with four successive losses before a 1-1 home draw with Wolves to get off the mark. They’ve taken eight points from their last nine matches as they’ve adapted better to the big-time. A 2-1 win at Everton in round six was a huge result but they lost successive home matches after that.

A 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest saw two late goals to stage a comeback. A 94th-minute goal conceded denied them a famous home win over Liverpool as it finished 1-1 instead. After that disappointment, they lost 1-0 at Man Utd before beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at home after the FIFA break. On Saturday, they lost 3-1 at Brentford with 27 shots and 3.47 xG allowed.

Luton Town Team News

Coach Rob Edwards has several injuries in his squad right now. Teden Mengi is a doubt after a knock to the knee at Bramall Lane whilst Tom Lockyer took contact to the back and needs a fitness test. Impressive left wingback Alfie Doughty will miss this match.

In midfield, Marvelous Nakamba is out, and Albert Sambi Lokonga can’t face his parent club. There are further injuries to Dan Potts, Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, and Cauley Woodrow. Jacob Brown scored off the bench on Saturday and he could start this one.

Luton Town Motivation

The Hatters will set up in a back five defensively and look to sit deep. They are not expected to have more than about 30% of the ball.

A draw would feel like a victory, and they would sit back to frustrate the Gunners and try to nick something on the break.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners sit top of the table and could temporarily move six points clear of Man City with a win. Since beating the Champions 1-0 in the league for the first time in 13 meetings, Arsenal have drawn 2-2 at Chelsea from behind and won 5-0 vs Sheffield United. Two losses followed, firstly 3-2 at West Ham in the Carabao Cup and 1-0 at Newcastle after a debatable goal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won four matches in a row since then. They overcame Sevilla 2-0 and beat Burnley 3-1. After the international break, they’ve won 1-0 at Brentford, 6-0 against Lens, and then 2-1 against Wolves on Saturday.

Arsenal Team News

Jurrien Timber remains a long-term injury absentee whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu took a knock vs Wolves and may be replaced by Ben White. Three midfielders are absent Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, and Fabio Vieira.

Arteta may rotate his team slightly. Kai Havertz is pushing to start whilst Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho are other options to freshen up the XI.

Arsenal Motivation

Motivation will be very high. Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the table.

Arteta’s side will attack and look to score early to open up the game. A victory by a few goals will be targeted in this match.

Key Stats

Luton have lost 5 of their last 8 matches

Luton have conceded 26 goals in their 14 EPL matches

Arsenal have won their last 5 matches (13 goals scored)

Arsenal have won 2 of their last 6 away matches (LDWLLW)

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the league (11 conceded)

Verdict

The Gunners should have far too much for Luton here. I’m backing a win to nil and also looking at the handicap market.

Best Bet: Arsenal win to zero at 2.05