- Date: Tuesday February 27 – 20:00 GMT
- Location: Kenilworth Road, Luton
- Teams: Luton Town vs Manchester City
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Hatters host City in FA Cup Fifth Round
Rob Edwards has worked wonders with Luton as the overwhelming pre-season favourites for relegation have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop. They face a tough task in the cup, however, as Manchester City, looking to secure a “double treble” are the visitors. Pep Guardiola’s men are making their usual charge into the run in and Luton, who have ruffled a few feathers among the fancied teams this season, will need to be at their best to pull off a result.
Luton Town
After needing a replay to account for Bolton Wanderers in the third round, the Hatters saw off Everton at Goodison Park in a dramatic fourth round tie. After a period where they picked up a number of unexpected results, winning plenty of plaudits, including a thumping win over Brighton and Hove Albion and a dramatic point at St James’ Park in a pulsating 4-4 draw with Newcastle United, Edwards’ side have lost a little momentum. They will need to be on their mettle if they are to have any chance of progressing against Man City.
Luton will again be without Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown and Mads Andersen. Alfie Doughty and Albert Sambi Lokonga are doubtful and will undergo late fitness tests. Elijah Adebayo, who scored in Luton’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to City in December, is also likely to miss out with a thigh issue. Edwards is expected to rotate a little, with Premier League survival being the priority. Former Newcastle United and Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul is set to take the gloves. Andros Townsend and Reece Burke are also tipped to come into the starting line-up.
Manchester City
City have been in imperious form since December, and look to be making their usual charge into the business end of the season. A back to back treble is being spoken about and Guardiola’s side undoubtedly have the quality, the attitude and the strength in depth to achieve this highly difficult feat. Needless to say through, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League in the same season is incredibly difficult. To do this for a second year in a row is even harder. They cannot afford to drop their guard for a moment and should City come into this tie on a low mentally or physically, then Luton are the sort of side to capitalise.
City swept aside Huddersfield Town in the third round before beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 away from home in the fourth round. They tuned up for this tie with a victory at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Josko Gvardiol (ankle) is the only injury concern for City. The Croatian defender remains on the sidelines. Guardiola is likely to ring the changes, with Jeremy Doku, Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker all available to come in. Stefan Ortega is likely to play in goal and Phil Foden, who has played a lot of minutes in recent weeks, could be one of the players rested.
Can Man City win the treble for a second season in succession? Check out our blog!
Prediction
Luton are a well drilled, competitive side who can cause teams problems. However, all things being equal City, even if they shuffle their pack, should have enough to come away with a quarterfinal berth. Away win.
Kenilworth Road, Luton
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