Luton vs. Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips

The forthcoming FA Cup 5th round clash between Luton Town and Manchester City on Tuesday night is poised to provide an enthralling spectacle as both teams aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. With each side coming into this game amidst contrasting fortunes, the stage is set for an intriguing battle at Kenilworth Road.

Date: 27/02/2024

Kick-off time: 20:00

Location: Kenilworth Road


Luton Town, currently positioned 18th in the Premier League table, find themselves embroiled in a tense relegation battle. Despite their struggles, manager Rob Edwards has guided the Hatters to an unexpected level of competitiveness in the top flight. Edwards' direct and competitive approach has instilled resilience within his squad, making them a formidable proposition for most sides.


The journey to the 5th round of the FA Cup saw Luton overcome Bolton Wanderers (2-1) in a hard-fought replay following a goalless draw in the initial leg, before securing an impressive 2-1 victory away at Everton. Spearheading Luton's charge is the resurgent Ross Barkley, who at the age of 30 is playing the finest football of his career. Barkley, a former stalwart at Chelsea and for the England national team, has experienced a renaissance at Luton and by some people’s reckoning is knocking on Gareth Southgate’s door for a place in the England squad.


Complementing Barkley's contributions are the consistent performances of players such as defender Teden Mengi and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, both of whom have made significant impacts on the team's performances. Mengi, signed from Manchester United, has provided solidity at the back, while Lokonga has impressed with his creativity and industry in midfield. Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Luton harbour hopes of an FA Cup quarter-final berth, a feat they have not achieved in nearly three decades.

On the other hand, Manchester City, currently occupying 2nd place in the Premier League, have maintained their status as perennial contenders under the astute management of Pep Guardiola. Despite encountering periodic dips in form, City remain in close pursuit of the league leaders, demonstrating their unwavering competitiveness.


While City's performances may not have consistently reached the lofty standards of previous seasons, their relentless pursuit of success sees them competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. The FA Cup, in particular, holds special significance for Guardiola's side, having been the domestic trophy that has eluded them the most throughout Guardiola’s reign. They’ve still won it twice in that period mind, in 2018-19 and 2022-23, and City will be eager to add to their storied FA Cup legacy.


Having progressed to the 5th round with comprehensive victories over Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur, City enter the clash with Luton in formidable form. In the absence of talisman Kevin De Bruyne, who has been sidelined with injury for much of the season, emerging talents such as Phil Foden have stepped up to shoulder the attacking burden. The young English midfielder has stepped up notably and is taking on an increased degree of responsibility, with the England international showing new levels to his game having scored 16 goals while providing 10 assists in all competitions this season.

Luton Team News:

The Hatters remain without defender Tom Lockyer while Marvelous Nakamba and Elijah Adebayo are all set to miss out here too.

Alfie Doughty, Mads Juel Andersen and Daiki Hashioka are all also doubtful, as manager Rob Edwards likely contemplates changes following a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out.

If Doughty is deemed unfit then Issa Kaboré could deputise in his absence, while Andros Townsend will also hope for a recall to the starting XI.

Manchester City Team News:

Manchester City are now missing only Joško Gvardiol after Jack Grealish made his return to the matchday squad at the Vitality Stadium last time out.

Pep Guardiola will no doubt make changes for this game, with Julian Álvarez likely to come back into the starting lineup. Kevin De Bruyne may join the Argentine in the starting lineup as he works his way back to full fitness, while the likes of Jérémy Doku, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb will all compete for limited places in the starting lineup.

Luton are very much amidst a difficult period of form as they enter this game having won one, drawn one and lost one of their last five games. Their most recent game was a resounding 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, a result that while heavy will likely have little impact on their season considering the quality of opponent.


Luton did, though, think they were on course for a result at half-time after Chiedozie Ogbene had given them the lead after just twelve minutes, but a second-half blitz swept the Hatters aside as Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo flipped the game on its head before Luis Díaz and Harvey Elliott finished the job. The result means Luton are now four games without a win but considering three of those games came against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Liverpool they must be afforded some leeway.


Luton have won only one of their last five games at Kenilworth Road, and when the two sides met at this venue back in December Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners.

Pep Guardiola’s side are coming into this game in typically strong form, unbeaten in their last seventeen games in all competitions having won four of their last five. City’s latest game saw them grind out a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Bournemouth thanks to a Phil Foden goal in the first half.


City’s last three games have seen them deliver pretty unconvincing performances by their standards but having taken seven points from those games there will be little concern amongst players and staff. The last two games in particular, 1-0 wins over Brentford and Bournemouth, were clear demonstrations of the side’s ability to carve out narrow wins in tough games, a quality typical of title-winning sides.


The Sky Blues have also won all of their last five games away from home, scoring eleven goals and conceding just four in that period.

Luton gave the Premier League champions a hugely competitive game when the two sides locked horns back in December, but the Hatters have had a number of tough results lately and in the absence of striker Elijah Adebayo they could find things much more difficult here against a side that are armed with a nearly fully fit squad. Luton 0-2 Manchester City.

ITV1 will air this game live on terrestrial television for all U.K. viewers, while the game will also be available to view on the ITVX website. Additionally, BBC Radio Three Counties and BBC Radio Manchester will p