Man City vs Luton tips and predictions: Hatters strike early as hosts win from behind

Man City will be expected to record a handsome victory against Luton Town this weekend as they bid to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Goals from Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, just two minutes apart, helped City to a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road in the reverse fixture.

It was a different story when the Citizens visited in February as Erling Haaland bagged a first-half hat trick to go with a second-half brace and a Mateo Kovacic goal.

Rob Edwards’ side are used to losing on the road and they’re no stranger to conceding three or more goals, yet they often find a way to defy the market.

Arsenal beat them 2-0, Tottenham squeezed past them 2-1, Liverpool trailed until the 56th minute and they drew 4-4 with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled for first-half goals at the Etihad as they’ve failed to score before the break in five of six.

Luton have shut out Liverpool, Tottenham and six others in the first half of matches, so we may see a slow start from City, which could limit their ability to cover a lofty handicap.

It’s tough to bring yourself to bet against City but Sheffield United and Everton were beaten 2-0 here, while Burnley’s late goal allowed them to cover the +2.5 Asian handicap.

We’ll focus our bets on City saving their goals for the second half and Town making a fight of this, but we’ll also take a speculative punt on them opening the scoring.

A team's best chance against the Premier League’s elite is usually to catch them cold early or late in the day, so we’ll back Luton to strike early with a small stake on the 5/1 shot.

 

Team news

Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are ruled out due to injury.

Phil Foden could recover in time but it’s unlikely he’ll be risked.

Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown, Dan Potts, Amari’i Bell, Elijah Adebayo, Mads Andersen and Issa Kabore are unavailable for the visitors.

Gabriel Osho, Sambi Lokonga and Chiedozie Ogbene are also expected to miss out.

 

Key stats

-  Man City have won five Premier League matches by three or more goals
-  Man City have scored 29 first-half goals, compared to 41 in the second half
-  Luton have lost two Premier League matches by three or more goals
-  Luton have scored in 27 of 32 Premier League matches this season

 

Suggested bets

Luton Town +2.75 Asian handicap

Half with most goals: Second

Luton Town to score first