Liverpool v Luton Town – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Luton in the English Premier League at Anfield on Wednesday. The Reds top the table and have scored a league-high 59 goals. The Hatters have lost successive matches but took a point off Liverpool in the reverse fixture in November.

Liverpool Form

The Reds have been beaten twice in 25 Premier League matches. They produced a record 7.11 xG in a 4-2 home win over Newcastle and won 2-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup. They’ve also reached the Carabao Cup final after beating Fulham 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.

Their last five matches have yielded four wins with 16 goals scored in those victories. A 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea saw 28 shots at goal before losing 3-1 at Arsenal. They’ve bounced back to win 3-1 against Burnley and 4-1 at Brentford on Saturday. It was a tighter game than the scoreline suggests.

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp lost Alisson to a muscle injury last week. Diogo Jota injured his knee in the win vs Brentford and will play no part. Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain absent in midfield and Dominik Szoboszlai is also out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured so Conor Bradley will deputise once again. Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez took knocks on Saturday, but both should be available to feature for at least some part of this match. Mo Salah is fit again and may start.

Liverpool Motivation

This is a must-win match with Man City able to close the gap on Tuesday. The Reds will attack and look to get the three points sewn up early.

With a cup final on Sunday, Klopp will want to take off some key players and avoid fatigue and injuries.

Luton Form

Luton have lost successive league matches having lost just once in nine matches before that. After beating Newcastle 1-0 and winning 3-2 at Sheffield United, they lost 3-2 at home to Chelsea. A six-match unbeaten streak followed including thrashing Brighton 4-0 at home with 3.21 xG produced.

A 4-4 draw at Newcastle preceded a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Sheffield United despite outshooting having 20 shots. Their last match brought a 2-1 home loss to Man Utd. They outplayed the Red Devils for large parts of the first half but were outclassed after the break.

Luton Team News

Centre back and captain Tom Lockyer is unavailable after a cardiac arrest. Right-back Daiki Hashioka and central defender Mads Andersen are not expected to feature at the back.

Marvelous Nakamba is injured in midfield where Tanith Chong is set to keep his place. Elijah Adebayo was injured in the warmup on Sunday so either Cauley Woodrow or Andros Townsend will complete the front three.

Luton Motivation

The Hatters took the game to Man Utd at home but it’s different at Anfield.

Luton will likely sit deeper and play a safer game with less possession and a bigger focus on counter attacks.

Key Stats

Liverpool’s last 55 home league matches have seen just 1 loss (42 wins, 12 draws)

Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 EPL matches

Liverpool have lost just 2 of their last 36 league matches

Luton have lost their last 2 EPL matches

Luton have lost 6 of their 11 away league matches

Verdict

The Reds may have an eye on the cup final, but they should have too much for Luton. Backing a comfortable win looks like the best bet.

Best Bet: Liverpool win Half Time/Full Time at 1.64

Alternate Bet: Liverpool win (-2 handicap) at 2.30

Goalscorer Tip: Mo Salah to score first at 3.60

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis