Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis to make successive Premier League starts – Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Luton Town (Premier League)

Manchester City must redivert their attention to the Premier League before their second-leg against Real Madrid, as they welcome Luton Town to the Etihad Stadium for the very first time.

It was a blockbuster UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash at the Santiago Bernabeu during the week, as the current holders City held the hosts to a mesmerising 3-3 draw on Tuesday.

A first-half bit of Bernardo Silva brilliance was countered by two sucker punches by Madrid, with a couple of deflected efforts from Camavinga and Rodrygo leaving the Manchester City defence bewildered.

As champions do, the Blues fought back, with Phil Foden at the front and centre, with a thumping effort into the top left corner, before Josko Gvardiol rifled one in from 20 yards to put City back in front.

However, a Federico Valverde volley would leave the tie perfectly poised ahead of the meeting at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Until then, City have a relegation threatened Luton Town to take care of.

Rob Edwards’ side will be in spirit upon arrival, courtesy of their late winner over Bournemouth last time around to give the hatters some hope of survival this season. City are now unbeaten in 26, so confidence certainly won’t be lacking for the hosts either.

The entertaining spectacle in the Spanish capital did come at a relative cost for City, with Rodri admitting he “needs a rest”, as well as claiming John Stones played through pain in the second-half to see City over the line.

With the pre-match comments of the Spaniard in mind we think some rest might be in order this weekend, and with that being said, here is the line-up we expect to see on Saturday afternoon, as Manchester City host Luton Town in the Premier League!

Predicted XI

Stefan Ortega has filled the void left by Ederson’s injury flawlessly, but we expect Ederson to return for this one, starting in goal.

Kyle Walker is “desperate” to return to action according to various sources, but this one will probably come too soon. Rico Lewis should be given the nod, following on from his goal against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Manuel Akanji handled the left side of Real Madrid’s attack immensely on Tuesday, but we expect him to return to the centre of defence, partnering Ruben Dias for this one.

Josko Gvardiol probably hasn’t hit too many sweeter than the one he did during the week to claim his first City goal. The Croatian has been phenomenal in recent weeks, and will surely continue his run of starts in the side.

Considering the words of Rodri pre-match, we expect some rest to be in order, with Mateo Kovacic filling in at the base of midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute in Madrid due to vomiting as per Pep Guardiola, but we expect him to start this one, although perhaps not seeing out the full 90. We think he will partner Matheus Nunes in the centre of midfield.

Jeremy Doku had arguably his best game in a City shirt on the right of a front three 10 days ago against Aston Villa. We expect the Belgian to return there, giving rest to Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva in turn.

The goals may have slightly dried up in the world of Erling Haaland, but we back him to keep his place and crop up with a goal in this one.

Oscar Bobb looked perfectly comfortable on the left against Crystal Palace, so we expect him to return there, completing the lineup for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Luton Town!

Predicted XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Nunes; Doku, Haaland, Bobb.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Gomez, Susoho, Rodri, Foden, Bernardo, Alvarez, Grealish.