Arsenal must beat Luton to stay in pole position for the title race, Luton must do everything they can to compete at the Emirates. (Photo credit: GOAL)
Arsenal vs. LutonEmirates Stadium7:30pm
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| Arsenal must beat Luton to stay in pole position for the title race, Luton must do everything they can to compete at the Emirates. (Photo credit: GOAL) |
The Premier League saw Arsenal in different lights on Sunday, adapting to contain the attacks from Manchester City to stifle the champions and limiting them to just one shot on target.
Whichever way you want to express it, it’s a difficult time for Luton Town to visit the Emirates. The Hatters have a reputation for competing; they typically self-destruct, but they must dig deep to avoid real hammering from the Gunners.
Luton labored in vain against Tottenham on Saturday; Issa Kabore scored an own goal before Heung Min Son turned the game on its head completely. Rob Edwards' side must avoid all forms of mistakes; they will be brutally punished.
The point at the Etihad was a huge one for Arsenal; it still doesn’t make them title favorites, but it shows they can earn results on difficult grounds after earning a point at Anfield earlier in the season, becoming the first side to avoid defeat against Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in the same season.
Everton gained a valuable point against Newcastle on Tuesday; this means they’re now four points clear of Luton in the race to beat the drop after having played the same number of games. Nottingham Forest clinically dispatched Fulham on Tuesday, gaining three points on their relegation rivals.
Luton will be without Elijah Adebayo, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Gabriel Osho due to injuries, and Albert Sambi Lokonga is ineligible to face his parent club as he’s on loan from the Gunners. Tahith Chong has been a revelation for the Hatters in recent games; he will face a late fitness test on Wednesday.
Arsenal has only Jurien Timber out; he is back in training, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Dutchman will play again this season. This game is an opportunity for Arsenal to rotate ahead of a busy April where they play twice a week throughout.
Gabriel Martinelli is fit to play; he has been menacing at the Emirates; Kai Havertz is in the form of his life; and Bukayo Saka has been confirmed to be available for selection. Thomas Partey could start a game for the first time in over six months, with Jorginho needing to rest.
Arsenal will give Luton a tough night; the visitors must be brave, disciplined, and clinical. Carlton Morris must constitute a nuisance with long balls; the fitness of Alfie Doughty is important to Luton’s gameplay; they must find a way to compete at the Emirates with or without their chief creator.