Arsenal vs Luton Town: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Title-hopefuls Arsenal will be keen for a return to winning ways when they host relegation-threatened Luton Town at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
An eagerly anticipated heavyweight clash between Arsenal and title rivals Manchester City ended in an underwhelming 0-0 stalemate at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, leaving the Gunners two points behind leaders Liverpool but a point clear of Guardiola’s City.
Meanwhile, Luton Town’s last trip to North London at the weekend ended in a 2-1 loss at Spurs, and the Hatters will undoubtedly be fearful about facing another strong outfit, particularly given their league predicament.
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Arsenal
Arsenal have been in imperious form since the New Year. Since tasting defeat to Fulham on December 31, they are unbeaten in their last nine domestic fixtures, winning eight on the bounce before coming away with a point from the Etihad.
Arsenal have been exceptional on all fronts this campaign, regardless of the venue. The Gunners boast an average of 2.24 points per game (W20, D5, L4) and have triumphed in 69% of their matches so far. Mikel Arteta’s side have exhibited mature and impressive performances both at home and on the road, recording an exemplary 2.5 points per game at the Emirates. This compares with an average of two on their travels.
The Gunners have been ruthless in front of goal this season, topping the goalscoring charts with seventy strikes so far. They have averaged an impressive 2.41 goals scored per match, with an outstanding 2.57 goals scored per match at the Emirates. They have also averaged 2.06 expected goals (xG) in front of their home faithful and have only failed to score in 7% of their home fixtures, spelling trouble for a leaky Luton defence ahead of their visit.
Arsenal have also excelled defensively, with the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of their defence proving a vital cog in the Arsenal machine. An average of 0.83 goals conceded per match so far falls in line with an expected goals against (xGA) tally of 0.87 on home soil. Only 29% of Arsenal's home games have ended in clean this year though, compared to 53% on the road.
🔴 @Arsenal's unbeaten start to 2024 continues 👏
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 31, 2024
Though @ManCity are the first team to take points from the Gunners this year... pic.twitter.com/V4m9ST8yzv
Luton Town
The away side find themselves in a difficult run of form heading into the fixture. They haven't registered a win in their last nine fixtures, and surrendered a 1-0 lead to eventually lose 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the weekend.
In stark contrast to their opponents, Luton have averaged a dismal 0.73 points per game thus far, winning just 17% of their matches. Rob Edward’s side have scored 1.43 goals per match whilst conceding an average of 2.07 goals so far.
Their away form makes for worse reading; an average of just 0.67 points per game is compounded by zero clean sheets on the road, with Luton averaging a goal conceded every 38 minutes.
Defensive problems have been the root cause of Luton's troubles so far, leaving their attacking players with too much work to do up top. They have averaged a respectable 1.4 goals scored on the road, and have scored in 80% of those fixtures. Their leaky defence has hampered their progress, though.
Prediction
Arsenal predictably enter firm favourites but there's little value in backing the home victory on the moneyline. Their goalscoring output has been superb though, particularly at home, and they face a side with the second-worst defensive record in the league.
The home side also tend to concede in their home fixtures despite their impressive winning record, with OddsNow backing both sides to find the net in a high-scoring encounter.