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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 25
Luton Town v Manchester United
Kenilworth Road
Luton, England
Sunday, 18 February 2024
Kick-off is at 18h30
Manchester United would do well not to underestimate Luton when they travel to Kenilworth Road for the first time in the
Premier League on Sunday, February 18 in the late kick-off.
The Red Devils are starting to build up a head of steam after a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on February 11 made it three wins on the spin for only the second time this season.
Eric ten Hag's side closed within five points of Villa in sixth place, with the West Midlands giants having dropped out of the top four on the back of a run of just two wins from their last five matches.
United are five points clear of Newcastle, who moved up to seventh position courtesy of a 3-2 triumph over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 10 - their second win in three games.
The Hatters have already produced some shocks on their debut in the Premier League, holding Liverpool and Newcastle to 1-1 and 4-4 draws respectively, while they recently beat Brighton 4-0.
However, Rob Edwards' side are far from safe and find themselves just one point above the relegation zone in 17th spot after going down 3-1 to fellow strugglers Sheffield United at Kenilworth Road on February 10.
Of the bottom-six clubs in the league, only the Blades (20th) won on matchday 24 to go level with Burnley (19th) on 13 points, with Everton six ahead of them in 18th place after losing 2-0 to Manchester City last time out.
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In team news, the hosts have just four players on the treatment table, with Marvelous Nakamba (knee), Mads Andersen (calf), Daiki Hashioka and Thomas Lockyer (chest) unavailable for selection. United will monitor the fitness of Luke Shaw, who was substituted at half-time against Villa with a minor complaint. Lisandro Martinez (knee), Anthony Martial (groin) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all ruled out, although Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Mason Mount (calf) could come back into contention.
Edwards reflected on a bad day at the office against Sheffield United, who capitalised on the mistakes made by his players to pick up a crucial victory in the battle for survival.
"It was a tough day. It is disappointing to lose the game of course. They defended the box very well, we made a couple of errors and got punished. We were not our usual selves in terms of being snappy and creating chances," he said.
"At the end it came down to two mistakes. There were a couple of moments in the game we huffed and puffed. The players gave everything. Once Sheffield United were very low and defending that lead they were difficult to break down.
"This is the best league in the world and the toughest league in the world. Today we have had a bad day but we have had some good days. The players will pick themselves up ready to attack the week."
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Ten hag admits United are still playing catch-up in the race for UEFA Champions League football, but believes the mood in the camp is improving with every win.
"I never think in negative scenarios, I'm thinking positive. We know we have to catch up, but we are not there yet and still we have to catch up," the Dutchman said.
"But I think we are in a good mood and we have to keep this process going and we have to still improve. If we do this, with many games to play, we will see what happens."
Head-to-Head (Previous Premier League Meetings)
Matches -1
Luton - 0
Man United - 1
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 25 fixtures:
Saturday, February 17
14h30: Brentford v Liverpool
17h00: Burnley v Arsenal
17h00: Fulham v Aston Villa
17h00: Newcastle United v Bournemouth
17h00: Nottingham Forest v West Ham United
17h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton Wanderers
19h30: Manchester City v Chelsea
Sunday, February 18
16h00: Sheffield United v Brighton & Hove Albion
18h30: Luton Town v Manchester United
Monday, February 19
22h00: Everton v Crystal Palace
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