Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, April 3rd, aiming to maintain their Premier League title push with a victory over Luton Town.
The Gunners will be buoyed by their hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the weekend, a result that kept them within touching distance of the top of the table.
Luton Town will be no pushovers, however. The Hatters travel to North London with renewed confidence after a remarkable turnaround in form. They credit their spirited display against Arsenal in December, where they came from behind to take the lead before ultimately losing, as a turning point in their season. Since that dramatic encounter, Luton have become a more expansive and attacking team, picking up valuable points and scoring freely.
While Luton will be looking to cause an upset, history and form still favours Arsenal. The Gunners boast an unbeaten record in 2024 and are aiming for ‘near perfection’ in their final games. Mikel Arteta‘s men will also be keen to avoid a repeat of the December drama and secure a convincing victory to maintain their title charge.
“I don’t know [if we will need to win all our games],” Arteta said, “but it’s going to have to be really close to that.
“You can see the consistency from the other teams and historically what is needed points wise. It is going to be close to needing that.”
Team news
Arsenal are expected to be close to full strength for this clash.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta gave an update on Bukayo Saka‘s fitness after the winger was substituted against City. “He’s fine,” Arteta said. “We haven’t trained, just recovered. We have a short light session today to prepare the game and we’ll see if he’s in the best condition to start or not.”
Asked if Martinelli was available after his foot problem, Arteta said, “He is, because he was available to play against a really tough opponent. He certainly is today. We will train later and see how he is tomorrow.”
Jurrien Timber also got a mention as Arteta said, “He’s doing very well. He’s back training. He’s not far off. The thing is that last step. We’re going to have to feel it now.
“I would say he’s got a good chance [of playing before the end of the season].”
Luton, on the other hand, will be without a host of players. For a start, Albert Sambi Lokonga can’t play against his parent club.
As for their injuries, it’s a lengthy list. Amari’i Bell could return from his hamstring problem but Chiedosie Ogbene (hamstring), Elijah Adebayo (thigh), Gabriel Osho (knee), Jacob Brown (knee), Mads Juel Andersen (calf), Marvelous Nakamba (knee) and Tom Lockyear (heart) are all unavailable while the injury status of Daniel Potts is ‘unknown’.
On Luton, Arteta said: “They have made it difficult for every team they have faced.
“I have to give big compliments to Rob [Edwards] and the team. They deserve more credit than any other team in this league. I have the most respect for them.
“It is going to be a really tough match. We had to fight to earn the points [in the reverse fixture] so we know what we’re facing tomorrow.”
Arsenal vs Luton Town officials
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- Assistants: Marc Perry, Steve Meredith
- Fourth official: Simon Hooper
- VAR: Tim Robinson
- Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.