As Premier League Gameweek 12 rolls into view this weekend, Manchester United host Luton Town going into the latest international break.
With Erik ten Hag remaining under fire in the Old Trafford hotseat, a home clash against the Hatters presents the perfect chance for United to record back-to-back league wins for just the second time this campaign.
On paper, at least.
After scraping three points away to Fulham last weekend, the Red Devils welcome Rob Edwards’ men, who seek precious away points after holding Liverpool last time out at Kenilworth Road.
United will be strong favourites to take the spoils into the fortnight hiatus, but Luton could yet be plucky opposition.
Finding their feet
For a team that every man, woman, child and their respective pet gave little chance to survive their first top-flight season in over 30 years, Luton have began to hit some form.
Having been thumped 4-1 away to Brighton on opening day and again 3-0 at Chelsea a few weeks later, since then, the Bedfordshire side have settled.
Recording their first-ever Premier League victory by upsetting an improving Everton at Goodison Park, the Hatters have picked up six points in as many games.
An iconic venue next up. 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/IKonMcLD2b
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) November 9, 2023
Interestingly, four of those have come away from home since the end of September.
Furthermore, when Luton have lost, they have found the net, scoring in seven of 11 league games played thus far, netting at Brighton, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
Ten Hag on brink?
Up until mid-way through the first half in Copenhagen on Wednesday night, there were signs that United could finally be putting together a run of form.
After picking a win last weekend – albeit a narrow one – following Rasmus Hojlund notching a Champions League brace, Marcus Rashford’s unfortunate dismissal sent the Red Devils into an eventual tail-spin.
In the league, the records read three wins in four outings, but at home so far this term, United have lost half their games.
Losing to Brighton and Crystal Palace, that must given Luton optimism for the weekend, with United on the verge of crisis.
BTTS Evs
A walloping 8/1 to win with Betfred, punters might reconsider a smarter stake for Both Teams to Score at Old Trafford.
Hovering around the evens mark, the best price at time of writing is very much now odds-on, with PariMatch offering up 10/11 odds, but this could change nearer kick-off.
Even if Luton go on to lose, in six of 11 games this term, United have conceded first.
Therefore, another punt worth a look is for Carlton Morris to score first at a whopping 11/1 with BoyleSports, or Luton’s three-goal striker to net anytime at 3/1 with BetUK.
Manchester United host Luton Town at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, kick-off 15:00 GMT.
