Luton vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Back Gunners to rack up corners in narrow win

This is a complete mismatch on paper but the gritty Hatters have made life tough for some of the Premier League’s heavy hitters.

Luis Diaz struck at the death to earn Liverpool a point while Manchester United and Tottenham were made to work for their 1-0 wins.

Arsenal will sense an opportunity to pile the pressure on Man City ahead of their showdown with Aston Villa, and it’s not implausible that the Gunners could move six points clear this week.

Mikel Arteta’s side survived some late scares against a plucky Wolves side at the weekend to their sixth consecutive win in all competitions.

This will be the fourth fixture in 11 days for Arsenal and the second in a jam-packed December that sees them play every four days on average.

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That sort of congestion can take its toll on any team and it’s only natural that Mikel Arteta will have one eye on Aston Villa and PSV, so rotation may be necessary.

Rob Edwards’ side are in the same boat but they did play through a 49-game Championship season to secure promotion.

It’s notable that Luton have yet to be beaten by two clear goals at home and haven’t lost by that wide a margin since a 5-0 defeat to Birmingham over two years ago.

Resolute Town will spend a lot of time defending their box and Arsenal average more corners (8.5) away from home than any team in the Premier League, so Arsenal over 6.5 corners looks like a good angle.

There’s no questioning the gap in quality between the sides and while an Arsenal win is to be expected, it’s lazy to assume the title challengers will romp to victory.

Arsenal have won 11 of their previous 32 Premier League away games by two or more goals, the majority of which came against sides in the top half.

Team news

Dan Potts, Mads Andersen and Reece Burke have been ruled out due to injury.

Luton Town are also sweating on the fitness of Tom Lockyer, Cauley Woodrow, Sambi Lokonga, Marvellous Nakamba, Alfie Doughty and Teden Mengi.

Fabio Viera, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber are unavailable while Takehiro Tomiyasu is a major doubt.

Key stats

- Arsenal have won 11 of 32 Premier League away games by two or more goals
- Luton haven’t lost a home game by more than one goal since October 2021
- There has been one first-half goal in Luton’s last seven Premier League matches
- Arsenal earn more corners than any other Premier League side on their travels

Suggested bets

Luton Town +2 Asian handicap

Half with most goals: Second

Arsenal over 6.5 corners