This weekend, Liverpool will make their first visit to Kenilworth Road since 2008 as they attempt to win five straight games across all competitions.
Liverpool versus Luton
November 5, 2023, 4.30 p.m. (GMT) | Kenilworth Road | Premier League (11)
The two teams will play in the top division on Sunday for the first time since 1992, after Luton unexpectedly advanced from the Championship the previous year.
The Reds aim to continue their winning streak against the Hatters on Sunday afternoon after winning all four of their games since the international break.
These are the top ten things you should be aware of before Luton vs. Liverpool.
1. Team updates
Luis Diaz has resumed training following his father’s kidnapping, according to Jurgen Klopp, who yet stated that he will “not force anything” with regard to Luton’s selection.
The manager also disclosed that Thiago, who hasn’t played for the team since April because of a persistent hip problem, is anticipated to stay sidelined until the new year.
2. A much-needed reunion
After been promoted from the Championship the previous season, Luton made their first appearance in the top division in almost thirty years.
It sets up the first encounter between the teams since the Reds’ 5-0 victory in the replay at Anfield in the 2008 FA Cup third-round match.
The two teams met in the league last in 1992, with Liverpool winning 2-1 with to goals from Steve McManaman and Dean Saunders in the closing minutes.
3. The hosts’ injury woes
For the match, Luton will have to manage without seven of its starting players, as manager Rob Edwards acknowledges that his team is “down to the bare bones.”
The absence of Amari’i Bell, Reece Burke, Mads Andersen, Dan Potts, Jordan Clark, Luke Berry, and Albert Sambi Lokonga for the game increases Luton’s workload in what will be their most difficult test of the season thus far.
4. Mo is drawn to history.
Mohamed Salah is breaking records on a weekly basis, but he might eclipse Jamie Vardy to become the first player to register goal involvements in 16 straight Premier League games.
The Egyptian king has had a successful campaign thus far, scoring 10 goals across all competitions and dishing out four assists.
He will be looking to extend his winning streak at Kenilworth Road and add to the history of the Premier League by surpassing Vardy’s feat from back in 2015.
5. A fresh start for the manager
This coming Sunday, when Klopp makes his first visit to Kenilworth Road, he will be able to cross off another stadium from his list.
Although he quipped that he had heard Luton’s changing rooms are “not massive,” the manager acknowledged that he is “really looking forward” to the trip.
6. Is it time for a clean sheet away?
Modes:
2
The Reds are yet to shut out an opponent on the road this season, having conceded in all seven of their away fixtures in all competitions.
Sunday’s trip to Luton represents a good opportunity to put that right, with the Hatters embroiled in a relegation battle and currently battling various injury problems.
7. Left-back conundrum
The Reds have conceded in each of their seven away games in all competitions this season, and they have yet to shut out an opponent on the road.
Given that the Hatters are currently dealing with multiple injuries and are involved in a relegation race, Sunday’s trip to Luton represents a fantastic opportunity to rectify that.
7. The left-back dilemma
The dislocated shoulder that Andy Robertson suffered has made room for Liverpool’s backup left-backs.
The man primarily responsible for covering Robertson’s absence has been Kostas Tsimikas; nevertheless, the manager has already acknowledged that the Greek “can’t play all the games” during his absence.
Luke Chambers and Joe Gomez will be vying for the minutes that will be left in that position, and Luton may present an opportunity for rotation at the back.
8. Jones returns to the Premier League
After completing his three-game suspension for the red card he received at Tottenham, Curtis Jones was warmly accepted back into the domestic team at Bournemouth.
For the first time since that contentious loss, the midfielder will now have the opportunity to play in the Premier League, but Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott may have some words to say about it!
Jones would be a great addition to Liverpool’s already talented midfield, and Klopp will have a lot to consider in the upcoming days and weeks.
Referee watch, 9.
After completing his three-game suspension for the red card he received at Tottenham, Curtis Jones was warmly accepted back into the domestic team at Bournemouth.
For the first time since that contentious loss, the midfielder will now have the opportunity to play in the Premier League, but Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott may have some words to say about it!
Jones would be a great addition to Liverpool’s already talented midfield, and Klopp will have a lot to consider in the upcoming days and weeks.
Referee watch, 9.On Sunday, Andy Madley will be in charge of the match, which will be his 11th Liverpool game overall.
Madley’s last Reds game was a 7-0 pounding of Man United last season, which we all remember very fondly!
Nick Hopton and Harry Lennard will support him, and Anthony Taylor will serve as the fourth official.
Simon Long will observe from Stockley Park as assistant VAR and Craig Pawson as VAR, respectively.
10. Come along for the ride!
This Is Anfield is here to bring you all the slanted analysis you need for this weekend’s Premier League matchup, as always.
Our website will host our matchday liveblog beginning at 3.45 p.m. (UK) in advance of the 4.30 p.m. kickoff from Kenilworth Stadium.
Cheers, Reds!
