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| Tottenham must beat Luton to keep Manchester United behind in the top-four race and, to move closer to Aston Villa on the log. (Photo credit: 90Mins) |
Some time ago, in this same season, Tottenham was at the top of the log, and some people thought they could go all the way and become champions. That has ended, but they’re still up there.
Luton Town was tipped to go down from the first minute of the season, and while they could still go down, they have shown that they want to stay; they’re fighting with everything in them; don’t write them off just yet.
Nottingham Forest’s point deductions helped Luton Town jump out of the relegation zone. They’d be hoping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side doesn’t get the four points rescinded, but it’s not done yet as they must play ten games and keep fighting.
Tottenham missed a huge opportunity before the international break; they lost 3-0 at Craven Cottage to Fulham, and you wonder how that happened considering how they took Aston Villa to the cleaners at Villa Park the weekend before.
A top-four finish is still the dream for Tottenham. It would be a great achievement for Ange Postecoglou in his first season without Harry Kane, and with notable players getting injured week in and week out, they must win here to keep Manchester United out of their sights.
Luton Town will be without Elijah Adebayo, Alfie Doughty, and Albert Sambi Lokonga; Chiedozie Ogbene suffered a hamstring problem while playing for Ireland during the break; Amari Bell is also sidelined; but Issa Kabore is available after hobbling off in their last game.
Micky Van De Ven is the only regular who is unavailable for the game on the hosts’ side; Radu Dragusin will come in for him again. James Madison will be in there providing assists for Heung Min Son and anyone else on the team; Luton must find creative ways to stop him.
How will they line up? The visitors don’t stop; they keep going even when they’re being battered. Everyone would love to remind them of their strange capitulation against Bournemouth, where they led 3-0 at halftime and then lost the game 4-3, but they must show they’re better than that.
Tottenham’s gameplay will be dictated by Madison; Luton must stay compact, defend deep, and launch a long one to Carlton Morris. It’s a game Tottenham is expected to win, but don’t rule out surprises from the boys from Kenilworth Road.