December is here people, the colder temperatures, the darker nights but more importantly the packed fixture list! Not yet over the triumph I witnessed on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates. Mikel’s mighty Gunners take the short trip to Luton on a bleak Tuesday evening. Expect cold temps but even colder football, the Art of Analysis Previews and Predictions is here:
The Lineup:
I’ve gone for some rotation here today. But everyone from the Wolves game deserves to start. The reason for my changes are simple; Tomiyasu out for Ben White. Tomi had knock we have learned it’s a calf strain. However more importantly, what has come to light in the media as of late. Is Mikel’s man management and choosing to rotate key players such as Ben White to give him a longer period of rest to ensure when rotation is used it’s not a one off but done with thought and calculated goals. Ben is rested for 3 games to allow him to be fully fit and removed of any niggles, Tomi is now the one who needs to be on the mend so it make sense to make this change.
Kai Havertz in for Trossard who started in the LCM role against Wolves. With the extremely deep low block we are expected to be facing tonight there is no shame in going route one when getting frustrated with this. Thus, his height, ability to bring the ball down from the air and transition play may be much more pivotal here than against Wolves.
Both our Brazilian attackers, Martinelli and Jesus featured against Wolves, but both players failed to play a full 90. Be it once again due to fitness issues or needing to rotate to adjust to their own hectic schedule with flights to and from Brazil in a short space of time. I am going out on a limb here and assuming they will be benched. However much of the talk online is begging to differ stating the small nature of the pitch Luton play at would suit the tricky playstyles and quick feet of both Martinelli and Jesus.
In this instance, I am sticking with my gut here, but happy to be proven wrong as either from the bench or starting Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus and Eddie all provide an impact to our game and will be enough to enable us to get the win.
The Stats:
Arsenal’s winning record against newly promoted Premier League teams stands at 12 wins in Arsenal’s last 13 matches, with the sole exception being a 2-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2021.
In the Premier League, Arsenal has demonstrated a strong track record against teams making their debut in the top flight. In Arsenal’s last seven matches against such opponents, Arsenal has emerged victorious in six, the one exception being a 2-0 setback against Brentford in August 2021.
On a personal note for starboy Bukayo Saka, if he starts it will be his 200th game for Arsenal across all competitions and Luton will be his 25th team he has faced in the Premier League!
How it will play out:
The upcoming midweek fixtures could potentially bring a halt to the high-scoring affairs witnessed in recent matches. The quick succession of games coupled with challenging weather conditions is likely to impact the pace and intensity of play, similar to the situation last season. During the previous midweek schedule, under 2.5 goals were scored in 58% of the matches, with an average of just 2.29 goals per game.
Arsenal’s recent away performances against teams that finished in the bottom 11 of last season’s Premier League further support the notion of a potential slowdown. In their last 14 such matches, Arsenal has averaged just 2.1 goals per game. When facing relegation-battling teams on the road, Arsenal’s goal-scoring tendency tends to diminish, as Mikel Arteta’s defensively disciplined approach often takes precedence over attacking flair.
Conclusion:
Whilst Arsenal will dominant this game with complete control of possession, goal attempts and chances created. The deep low block, small nature of the pitch and not to mention the weather, fans and tiredness as factors. This is going to be a game that will likely frustrate the players, the fans and the manager.
With that being said, I still see Arsenal coming out on top and getting all 3 points!
Predictions:
Scoreline – Luton 0 Arsenal 2
POTM: Martin Ødegaard
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to be Carded: YES & Result = Arsenal
Written by Reekesh Somaro