Luton Town vs Manchester United Predictions & Betting Tips

Manchester United travel to Kenilworth Road to take on Luton in what will be a big game at both ends of the table. Both sides will be desperate for three points to keep pace with the teams around them.

• Manchester United to win @ 5/6 with Bet365
• Both Teams to Score @ 4/7 with Bet365
• Over 2.5 goals @ 4/7 with Paddy Power
  

These odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Date: 18/02/24

Kick-off time: 16:30

Venue: Kenilworth Road

Luton currently sit a point and a place above the relegation zone, but do have a game in hand. A win at the weekend would be massive for the Hatters, as it could give them some breathing space between themselves and Everton. They could also climb the table, as they are just a point behind Nottingham Forest in 16th. Looking further ahead, they are five points behind 14th place Brentford. However, if they were to drop points, it opens the door for Everton to send them back into the bottom three. It is extremely tight in that area of the table, but Luton’s recent form has given them a realistic hope of a second straight season in the Premier League. Despite their loss at home to Sheffield United at the weekend, they did pick up four points in impressive fashion against both Newcastle and Brighton.

In contrast, the visitors are in a good run of form, which has entered them into the conversations for a Champions League place. Right now they are in sixth, but their victory over Aston Villa has cut the gap to fifth to five points. They are also six points behind Tottenham in fourth. A win would see them either maintain that points difference, or reduce it further. A defeat would present the opportunity to those below them to take advantage.

Throughout the season, United have struggled to find the back of the net. Their 33 goals scored is the least in the top half. However, they have scored at least two goals in their last six games in all competitions. Luton have also enjoyed recent success in front of goal, so expect an entertaining game.

This will be just the 42nd meeting between the two sides, and it has been a fixture which Man United have dominated, winning 30 times and losing just four. However, just two of these meetings have come in this century, with both being United victories. The first was a 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Kenilworth Road in 2020, with goals from Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood proving the difference. The reverse fixture earlier this season resulted in a narrow 1-0 victory for United, as Victor Lindelof scored a 59th-minute winner.

The last Luton win came all the way back in 1987, as they beat their opponents 2-1 in the old First Division. United will hope to extend their dominant run in this fixture, having won 10 of the last 11 games.

Luton Town Team News

Marvelous Nakamba is out long-term with a serious knee injury. Mads Andersen is progressing well from his calf injury, but this game is thought to come too soon for his return.

Manchester United Team News

Lisandro Martinez picked up a knee injury in their game against West Ham and will be out for at least eight weeks. Mason Mount is back in training and could be in consideration for the squad, but Tyrell Malacia is a bit further behind in his recovery.

Luton Town

In their last five games, Luton have won three, drawn one and lost one. Their sole defeat came in their most recent outing, as they were beaten 3-1 by Sheffield United at home. It was an extremely disappointing defeat for the Hatters, as they missed an excellent opportunity to pick up three points against the league’s bottom side. The visitors went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to a Cameron Archer strike and James McAtee penalty. Luton threatened a comeback with a penalty of their own, which was converted by Carlton Morris, but United ensured the three points with their third from Vinicius Souza 20 minutes later.

They failed to build on two great results against Newcastle and Brighton. First, they crushed the Seagulls 4-0 at Kenilworth Road, with a hat-trick from Elijah Adebayo contributing to the rout. They then travelled to St James’ Park and drew 4-4 with Newcastle in an absolute thriller. After going two goals down early on, they completely turned it around and were 4-2 up by the 62nd minute. However, goals from Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes meant that they only left with a point, but it was a huge point nonetheless.

Those two league games followed a pair of cup games, the first of which being a third-round replay against Bolton Wanderers. After drawing at home, they travelled north to take on the league one side, and despite falling behind, Tahith Chong and Chiedozie Ogbene made sure they progressed with a 2-1 win. This meant they were rewarded with a trip to Goodison Park and Everton, and they booked their place in the fifth round with another 2-1 victory. Cauley Woodrow scored a 96th-minute winner for the visitors.

Manchester United

In their last five games, Man United have won four and drawn one. United have begun the calendar year in excellent form, as they are yet to lose a game. They began this stretch of games with a 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham in which they relinquished the lead twice, but have had a perfect record since.

They advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-2 win over League Two side Newport County. The hosts put up a very good fight, managing to get back to 2-2 from 2-0 down, but ultimately, United’s quality was too much for them. A return to league action saw them involved in a 4-3 thriller with Wolves. They held a comfortable 2-0 lead for most of the game, but a Pablo Sarabia penalty threatened a comeback. Scott McTominay added a third to seemingly put the game to bed, but 85th and 95th-minute goals got Wolves back on level terms. Determined to not go home disappointed, youngster Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and scored a wonderful goal to steal all three points in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

A more straightforward victory against West Ham followed with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho getting on the scoresheet. Hojlund scored in his fifth Premier League game in a row in the latest victory against Aston Villa, as he scored the opener. Douglas Luiz levelled the score, but McTominay struck in the 86th minute to make it four wins in a row for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Luton will fancy their chances at home against an inconsistent Man United side, despite their loss against Sheffield United. However, we expect Man United to have too much firepower for the Hatters - Luton 1-3 Manchester United

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Luton vs Manchester United will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event.

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