Verdict: Aston Villa win btts
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Aston Villa travel to Luton hoping to consolidate their 4th place with a Kenilworth Road win. The hosts are engaged in a relegation battle and every single point might be decisive at the end of the season. The Hatters will count on the support of 10,000 fans who never fail to deliver.
Luton
Luton achieved a historic promotion to the Premier League last summer, but the harsh reality settled in quickly. After 26 rounds, the Hatters are in a relegation spot, four points from safety. Luton s survival hopes took another hit when Everton won the deduction points appeal.
A 6-2 midweek home defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup was not the best result before welcoming Aston Villa. Although Rob Edwards s side proved its attacking abilities, the defence is Luton s Achilles tendon. Haaland was toying with Luton s defenders, scoring five goals in under one hour.
The nightmare continued for Edwards s players who failed to win any of their five games played. Pulling a major upset on St. James Park against Newcastle (4-4 final result) was followed by four consecutive setbacks. If defeats against Manchester United, Liverpool and City were not surprising, the shocking loss to Sheffield Utd was a major setback.
Luton failed to take advantage of the Kenilworth Road game against Sheffield United. The Hatters had a slow start to the game being 2-0 down at halftime. Despite scoring early in the second half, Chris Wilder s side delivered the final blow winning 3-1.
However, Luton can improve in the table rankings by the end of March, with more accessible fixtures ahead. Rob Edwards hopes to distance his team from relegation with the pending games against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forrest.
Team News
Tom Lockyer is the only unavailable player for Luton. The experienced centre-back has had heart problems since mid-December. His return date is unknown.
Rob Edwards will line up a strong team, hoping for the 4th Premier League win at Kenilworth Road. Carlton Morris will be looking to get back on the scoreboard after failing to have an impact at Anfield and against Manchester City.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa are very competitive this term. Unay Emery transformed the Birmingham side since his October 2022 appointment. The Villans are 4th in the Premier League with optimal chances to play Champions League football next season.
Consecutive wins against Fulham and Nottingham Forrest got Aston Villa back on track. The Lions are undefeated away from home this year, looking to extend the run following the Luton trip. However, a concern for Unay Emery should be the 20 goals conceded in 13 games played on the road.
Ollie Watkins is hoping to put in another master-class performance. The Aston Villa ace scored against Fulham and Nottingham Forrest, winning six points for his team. Watkins is also engaged in the Golden Boot race, trailing the leader Haaland.
With the Conference League play-offs around the corner, the Lions are looking to win against Luton before the midweek trip to Amsterdam. It remains to be seen which competitions Unai Emery will prioritize. The Spanish manager is keen to bring Aston Villato to the Champions League.
Team News
Unai Emery has no fresh injuries after a busy schedule. Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia are out until the end of the season following severe blows sustained last summer.
Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara are both out with severe knee injuries. The players could return to action at the end of this campaign.
Key factors to consider
Luton failed to win in the last three competitive games
The hosts are engaged in a relegation battle, hoping to finish this round in a safe position
Rob Edwards s side got hammered midweek by Manchester City in the FA Cup (2-6 final score)
Aston Villa are looking closer than ever to play Champions League football next season
The visitors lost all of their three games played at Kenilworth Road
Unai Emery s team has a busy schedule with incoming four games in 12 days
Conclusion
Aston Villa is back in business following consecutive wins in the Premier League. On the other hand, Luton s form is dipping, losing all of their last four matches. Unai Emery s side has more quality and is in better form. An open play with both teams scoring and Villa clinching three points is what we are backing here.
Verdict: Aston Villa to win btts
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