LUTON TOWN are on a desperate battle for survival…but they couldn't get it tougher than a trip to English and European champions Manchester City on Saturday.
And while this fixture conjures up their famous escape act with David Pleat careering across the Maine Road pitch after a 1-0 win on the last day of the season 1983 which relegated City and saved Luton, this is very much a different era.
City are of course in a huge fight of their own to retain their title and they are in the middle of an epic Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.
A pulsating first leg in the Bernabeu saw City come away with a 3-3 draw and they will be strong favourites to progress next midweek.
But there will be no suggestion surely of Pep Guardiola rotating or resting against a feisty Luton team who have made it hard for so many teams this season.
They are currently in the relegation zone although only on goal difference after levelling up on points with Nottingham Forest following a terrific 2-1 home win over Bournemouth.
It was a desperately needed three points because you have to go back to the end of January for their last win when they hammered Brighton.
A run of ten games saw them collect just three points out of a possible 30 although it's worth pointing out they played Arsenal, Sours and Liverpool all away in that run.
How the bookies view it
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City are red hot favourites here at a best-priced 1/10 with Boylesports and they are as short as 1/16 in places.
Luton Town can be backed at 29/1 with UniBet and the draw is 11/1 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
Luton gave City a huge scare at Kenilworth Road earlier this season by leading before losing 2-1, but they were blown away in the FA Cup as the visitors romped to a 6-2 win.
In fact, that famous win in 1983 was Luton's last victory at Manchester City and this will be their first ever game at the Etihad.
Players to watch
Erling Haaland has had plenty of criticism this season for his play and he has only scored one goal in his last eight games for club and country. However, he is still heavy odds-on to score on Saturday at 4/9 with bet365.
Carlton Morris was the hero for Luton last week with an injury time winner against Bournemouth. He has scored a respectable five goals in his last 12 appearances and is 5/1 to score anytime with BetVictor.
Anything else catch the eye?
If you look at Luton throughout the season in the league, they have very rarely been battered, Only Liverpool who eventually ran out 4-1 winners have managed that and Luton took the lead.
They have scored in ten of their last 11 last away games including at Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle, where they scored four and still didn't win.
Preference here is for a narrow City win and Luton might be worth backing on the handicap because they are nobody's mugs. They are 11/10 for +2.5 goals on the Asian handicap with UniBet.
They have also managed to win plenty of corners on their travels – six at Spurs, four at Liverpool for example.Back them to win three or more at 8/11 with bet365.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Luton Town will be played on Apr 13, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Luton Town prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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