Manchester City is inching closer to the title defense, as they go against Luton Town, for the fifth round of the FA Cup. These two teams are coming into this match from a close fourth round win, having only one-goal advantage. Man City are coming into this match from their 1-0 win against the Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round. Fortunately for Man City, they are currently unbeaten in their last five matches across all contests, giving them momentum. Meanwhile, for Luton, they are from a 2-1 win against Everton FC during the fourth round. However, Luton are not having a good run recently, winning just once in their last five matches. The meeting between these two teams is on February 28, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Manchester City
Manchester City will face Luton in the FA Cup for the first time since 1969, marking the Citizens’ first meeting since a 1-0 victory in January 1969. The Citizens, led by Pep Guardiola, won the FA Cup seven times and are the holder of the trophy. They defeated Manchester United in the final last season, giving them their seventh title. They are now preparing to face Premier League opposition. Guardiola’s team has also won a 3-1 victory over Copenhagen in their last-16 Champions League contest and a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League. Despite not being perfect in the league this season, Manchester City is in a strong position to challenge for the title, sitting second in the table, one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Man City’s squad is strong, with Guardiola making changes to the Premier League side against Bournemouth, with Jeremy Doku, Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kyle Walker potentially joining. Stefan Ortega is expected to play a spot, while Phil Foden may rest.
Luton Town
Luton, known for their style of football, will face Aston Villa in the FA Cup. The Hatters, who have suffered three consecutive Premier League losses, are 18th in the Premier League table and one point behind 17th-placed Everton. However, they have managed to secure two impressive away wins in the competition this season, beating Bolton Wanderers and Everton. The Hatters have never won the FA Cup, but they reached the final of the 1958-59 competition. They lost to Man City at Kenilworth Road this season, but they needed to come from behind after Elijah Adebayo made a breakthrough. They secured their place in the fifth round with a 2-1 win at Everton last month, with Cauley Woodrow scoring the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Luton faces injuries to key players, including Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown, and Mads Andersen, and Adebayo due to a thigh problem. Head coach Edwards plans to introduce Tim Krul, Andros Townsend, and Reece Burke into the XI.
Prediction:
Manchester City (1.5)
Odds: -0.84
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