At the end of every year, when the bells of Christmas are about to ring, the Premier League also welcomes a special matchup - the Christmas Express between Luton and Arsenal. On this special occasion, Luton fans are looking forward not only to the arrival of Santa Claus, but also to pulling down the Premier League leader Arsenal.
Luton are currently on the brink of the relegation zone, but they have won one and drawn one of their last five games, all thanks to their home advantage in their home town. Just like any other team fighting for relegation, Luton know that they need to make their home ground a scoring paradise if they want to go further in the relegation battle. In the win over Crystal Palace and the draw with Liverpool, Luton did just that. However, losses in other home games have made them realize that they still need to be at their best if they are to beat Arsenal in the top-of-the-table clash next Tuesday night.
Luton don't need to change their style of play, perseverance is winning. As a manager, greater patience is required as promotion from the Championship to the Premier League takes time for the team to adjust to a whole new culture shock. This has been particularly felt for all the promoted teams this season.
Lockyer's departure due to injury at the weekend will certainly be a blow for Luton, who will be without the captain and leader for some time. Arsenal, on the other hand, are in a very different situation, having gone five games unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Newcastle.
Bukayosaka has recently rediscovered his hot form after a period of injury slump, and with his excellent form in the last 5 matches, he is expected to play a key role in next Tuesday night's match. Apart from Bucayosaka, Arsenal also have a number of attacking players such as Lee Ando Duchate, Gabriele Martinelli, Xaviers, Gabriele Jetsis and Martin Ordigart, which will be difficult for Luton to overcome.
However, Luton didn't give up against a team with a lot of offensive power. A few weeks ago, when Liverpool visited Luton, I said something similar: I believe this Arsenal team is different. They're like a well-oiled machine, capable of producing threats from all angles for 90 minutes.
Deglan Rice has been a huge contributor to the team in the past few weeks as the centerpiece of the team's offense. When all the attacking players are at full strength under him, their energy and leadership will be the key to Arsenal's fast track schedule in the coming weeks.
