This weekend, Liverpool will make their first visit to Kenilworth Road since 2008 as they attempt to win five straight games across all competitions.
Luton vs. Liverpool
Premier League (11) | Kenilworth Road
November 5, 2023 | 4.30pm (GMT)
For the first time since 1992, the two teams will face off in the top division on Sunday. Last season, Luton earned an unexpected promotion from the Championship.
Against the Hatters on Sunday afternoon, the Reds hope to continue their winning streak, which has already reached four games since the international break.
In advance of Luton vs. Liverpool, here are nine key points you should be aware of.
1. Team news
Following his father’s kidnapping, Luis Diaz has resumed training, according to Jurgen Klopp, who also stated that he will “not force anything” when it comes to Luton’s selection.
Due to a persistent hip problem, Thiago hasn’t played for the team since April. The manager also disclosed that he is anticipated to be sidelined till the new year.
2. Long-awaited return
It marks the teams’ first meeting since their 2008 FA Cup third-round match, in which the Reds prevailed 5-0 in the replay at Anfield.
When the teams last faced off in the league, it was in 1992, and Steve McManaman and Dean Saunders’ late goals saw Liverpool win 2-1.
3. Injury woes for the hosts
For the match, Luton will be missing seven of their starting players, as manager Rob Edwards has acknowledged that his team is “down to the bare bones.”
Due to the absence of Amari’i Bell, Reece Burke, Mads Andersen, Dan Potts, Jordan Clark, Luke Berry, and Albert Sambi Lokonga for the game, Luton will have an even more difficult assignment in what will be their most difficult test of the season.
4. History beckons for Mo
Mohamed Salah is breaking records on a weekly basis, but he has the potential to exceed Jamie Vardy in order to become the first player to record 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 aiming to surpass Vardy’s feat from back in 2015 in order to extend his winning run at Kenilworth Road and add more Premier League history.
5. A new ground for the boss
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 the manager acknowledged that he is “really looking forward” to the trip, he made a joke about how “not massive” the changing rooms at Luton are.
6. Is it time for a clean sheet away?
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 presents a fantastic opportunity to rectify that.
7. Left-back dilemma
Andy Robertson’s dislocated shoulder has allowed Liverpool’s backup left-backs to take over.
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, with Luton offering a chance for rotation at the back.
8. Jones’s Premier League return
Following his completion of a three-game suspension for receiving a red card at Tottenham, Curtis Jones was warmly embraced back into the domestic fray.
It will be the midfielder’s first opportunity to play in the Premier League since that contentious loss, but Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch might have some words to say about it!
Given the calibre of players in Liverpool’s midfield, Klopp will have lot to consider in the upcoming weeks as Jones might be added to the mix.
9. Match Referees
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 beating of Manchester 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.
Cheers, Reds!
