(Getty Images)
Liverpool host Luton Town on Wednesday night, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having seen Manchester City close to within a point of them one night previous. The Reds will remain focused on their own progress though, having won their last two following a poor defeat at Arsenal.
Luton themselves are back in the Premier League relegation zone without having kicked a ball since the weekend, after Everton’s Monday night draw forced the Hatters down one place on goal difference. A win or draw for the visitors to Anfield tonight, however, will see them jump back out again. These two sides drew 1-1 at Kenilworth Road earlier this season.
Follow all the latest updates in our live blog below and get the latest Liverpool vs Luton odds and tips here.
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
LIV: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
LUT: Kaminski, Ogbene, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Chong, Woodrow, Morris
Goal – Ogbene heads in from close range against run of play (0-1, 14’)
Goal – Van Dijk powers in a header to equalise before the hour (1-1, 56′)
Goal – Gakpo immediately puts Liverpool ahead with another header (2-1, 58′)
Goal – Diaz beats Kaminski at his near post for a third (3-1, 71’)
Goal – Elliott curls in another late goal (4-1, 90’)
REPORT: Liverpool 4-1 Luton Town
Liverpool FC 4 – 1 Luton Town FC
Liverpool set injuries aside to reiterate their status as Premier League comeback kings
22:03 , Karl Matchett
As long as they had 11 players, Jurgen Klopp had vowed, Liverpool would give it a go. Deprived of ten, going a goal down, they certainly did. A stunning turnaround brought Klopp’s band of brothers four goals and took them four points clear at the Premier League summit.
They head to Wembley on Sunday buoyant, despite their injury problems. Depleted, they were not defeated, transforming a deficit into an emphatic triumph with irrepressible energy. Klopp had imbued his makeshift side with a defiant spirit and, as Luton Town threatened to earn their maiden win at Anfield, they required it.
Richard Jolly’s report from Anfield:
Liverpool set injuries aside to reiterate their status as comeback kings
FT – Liverpool 4-1 Luton
21:45 , Karl Matchett
Big numbers for the Reds tonight!
18 – Since the start of 2018-19, Virgil van Dijk has scored 18 Premier League goals, at least four more than any other defender. 12 of those have come at Anfield, now the most of any Liverpool defender at home in the competition, suprassing Sami Hyypiä’s 11. Target. pic.twitter.com/zhY2DJqFI8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2024
22 – Liverpool have recovered 22 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side, and their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition (also 22 in 2008-09). Mentality. pic.twitter.com/72wx1DSQXE
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2024
10 – In Mo Salah (19), Diogo Jota (14), Darwin Núñez (13), Cody Gakpo (11), and Luis Díaz (10), Liverpool are the first club in Europe’s big-five leagues to have five players reach 10+ goals in all competitions this season. Fearsome. pic.twitter.com/La5j8Pb1me
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2024
FT – Liverpool 4-1 Luton
21:39 , Karl Matchett
Jurgen Klopp saluted all four stands of Anfield after that win – the crowd were certainly on board in that second half, urging the team on to the equaliser and beyond.
FT – Liverpool 4-1 Luton
21:27 , Karl Matchett
Liverpool go four points clear at the top and Luton stay in the bottom three – but the Reds had to come from behind to do the job and scored four times after the interval.
Ogbene with the opener, but Van Dijk, Gakpo, Diaz and Elliott earn the points for the Anfield side.
90+4’ – Liverpool 4-1 Luton
21:25 , Karl Matchett
Luton still pushing on and trying to get themselves back on the scoresheet but the game has well gone.
Liverpool content now to retain possession and maybe break forward if the gaps are there, but it’s more about energy conservation at this point with a trip to Wembley ahead on Sunday.
GOAL! 90’ – Liverpool 4-1 Luton
21:19 , Karl Matchett
GOAL!
Danns plays in Gakpo who should score, he’s tackled and Elliott runs onto the loose ball instead – the Englishman bends one top corner, first time, and that’s 4-1.
Eight minutes added on.
86’ – Liverpool 3-1 Luton
21:17 , Karl Matchett
Barkley runs through a couple of challenges and is tripped by Quansah. Shooting chance, right of centre and five yards outside the penalty box. Andros Townsend over it…straight into the wall. Barkley then lashes one miles over.
Liverpool double sub: James McConnell and Jayden Danns on for Diaz and Mac Allister.
Danns, by the way, is the son of Neil Danns – former Blackburn, Crystal Palace and Birmingham midfielder. It’s Jayden’s debut tonight.
82’ – Liverpool 3-1 Luton
21:10 , Karl Matchett
Endo wins the ball again and feeds in Cody Gakpo – this time his shooting is wayward. He’s had at least half a dozen shots tonight too, even if Diaz has had more.
Gomez is booked for a marginal arm across Ogbene and it’s a dangerous free-kick for Luton. They need something to happen soon if they are to have a late push for a point – but Kelleher is up well and punches clear.
78’ – Liverpool 3-1 Luton
21:07 , Karl Matchett
Yellow card for Barkley for a slide on Elliott that leaves the attacker grounded. Jurgen Klopp goes to his bench once more and it’s Bobby Clark who comes on for Ryan Gravenberch.
75’ – Liverpool 3-1 Luton
21:04 , Karl Matchett
Kabore on for the injured Doughty for Luton. Elliott tees up Diaz for yet another shot – that’s ten for the game – and Kaminski palms this one away.
Elliott then sees a shot saved as the Reds press on for a fourth.
GOAL! 71’ – Liverpool 3-1 Luton
21:00 , Karl Matchett
And that’s surely the points and top spot secured! Luis Diaz finally finds the back of the net at the ninth time of asking with shooting tonight.
The Colombian is played in by Robertson, he beats the last defender and easily finishes near post this time. 3-1 to the hosts.
70’ – Liverpool 2-1 Luton
20:58 , Karl Matchett
First Liverpool sub, Andy Robertson on for Bradley. Gomez moves to right-back as a result.
We’re into the final quarter of the game now and Luton will have to change tack somewhat if they want to get back into a position where a point is on the cards.
Gakpo should really free Diaz for a big chance but gets his pass all wrong.
66’ – Liverpool 2-1 Luton
20:54 , Karl Matchett
Barkley robs Bradley now and finds Doughty with a reverse pass – his shot is deflected just wide of the far post.
Luton’s first corner is cleared by Gomez at the near post and the Reds just look to settle matters down once more.
62’ – Liverpool 2-1 Luton
20:52 , Karl Matchett
It was very nearly three as another Van Dijk header was powered on target but Kaminski this time was equal to it.
Anfield is electric, roaring the team on – they sense this game can be won in the coming minutes if they push on further and, perhaps, be a bit more clinical with those open-play chances too.
GOAL! 58’ – Liverpool 2-1 Luton
20:48 , Karl Matchett
GOAL!
What a turnaround! Townsend comes on for Woodrow as Luton seek to stem the tide but the Reds are rampant and Mac Allister has another assist, lofting a pass into the box and Gakpo is there to bury a close-range header.
Two goals in three minutes and it’s 2-1 to the Reds!
GOAL! 57’ – Liverpool1-1 Luton
20:44 , Karl Matchett
GOAL!
Elliott’s driving run into the box ends in Gakpo spinning and firing in a low right-footed shot – it’s maybe hitting the post but Kaminski dives low and turns it behind for yet another corner.
Mac Allister delivers it to the six-yard box…and Van Dijk flies in to bury a header! Liverpool back on terms and the captain has the equaliser, 1-1!
56’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:43 , Karl Matchett
Bradley has picked up the pace since the restart in particular, twice driving on to create chances. Luton’s defending still is firm but it’s also a little last-minute on more than one occasion just now. Gakpo gets a header in the middle but only flicks it on, not towards goal, and Luton survive again – but they’re really under the cosh.
52’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:39 , Karl Matchett
Elliott snatches at a chance and it flies wide by a distance – half a decent opening too.
Diaz then has two quickfire openings – the first is blocked brilliantly, the second by an arm. The referee has a look, a think…then says corner.
48’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:37 , Karl Matchett
A first yellow card of the game for Liverpool – it’s shown to goalkeeper coach John Achterberg for a few words said on the bench after a challenge.
Liverpool haven’t come out all guns blazing after the restart it must be said.
46’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:33 , Karl Matchett
Lokonga replaced by Mpanzu at the break for Luton. We are back underway at Anfield!
HT’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:31 , Karl Matchett
First half stats:
Liverpool 0-1 Luton
Shots: 12-5
On target: 3-2
Possession: 58-42
Corners 7-0
xG: 1.01 – 0.77
Touches in opposition box: 23-7
HT’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:18 , Karl Matchett
Half time – there’s the whistle and an awkward first half for Liverpool comes to an end with the league leaders behind at home to Luton.
Ogbene’s close-range finish is the difference between the sides and a lot of energy and shooting chances – mainly from Luis Diaz – hasn’t been enough to see the Reds back on level terms.
Liverpool 0 Luton 1 at the interval.
44’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:14 , Karl Matchett
Woodrow steps straight into Quansah with an arm into the face as a high ball arrives to them and it’s a yellow card. It was borderline, perhaps – any more of a bent arm and that might have been another colour.
Elliott streaks away once more but his attempted through-ball to Diaz is overhit by miles.
Klopp rages on the touchline at someone – doesn’t look like Elliott, but maybe another player for not joining up the attack.
40’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:10 , Karl Matchett
Doughty almost breaks in behind the defence but Bradley is alert and makes a good challenge on him. It sparks a three-on-three counter-attack and Gravenberch frees Diaz – but Mengi comes across once more to make a fine tackle and it’s only a corner.
Liverpool’s seventh corner of the half ends in an Elliott shot from the edge of the box, but it’s well over the bar.
36’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:06 , Karl Matchett
Diaz is non-stop with the shots, but he might change his boots at the break. That last one fizzes over from 25 yards and it’s six shots from him tonight.
The Colombian is applauded by Jurgen Klopp on the touchline but the boss looks a little exasperated. Luton manager Rob Edwards is directing his players non stop – he’ll want to get to the break still ahead.
32’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:03 , Karl Matchett
Endo this time unlocks the Luton defence with a lofted pass over the back line – once more it’s Diaz who is on the stretch and gets a boot to it, but not enough contact and it skims just wide of the post.
Gravenberch is next to curl one at goal which is again easy for the keeper to save – the shots are raining down like a training session but it’s all a bit safe and ambitious where they’re coming from.
28’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
20:00 , Karl Matchett
Good defending by Bradley down the Liverpool right to see off the danger. Morris presses Kelleher in possession, trying to give his defenders a bit of respite.
Joe Gomez’s curled shot goes wide, then Diaz finally laces one on target – but it’s tame and at Kaminski. One way traffic as it has been all game so far, except for the one moment which matters.
24’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
19:59 , Karl Matchett
More pressure for the Reds, more wayward final passing. Gakpo and Diaz continue to make the running and create openings, but Luton keep getting bodies in the way.
Just one shot on target for the hosts so far – two for Luton, and one went in.
20’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
19:51 , Karl Matchett
The home fans urging their team on and Elliott is almost in on goal – can’t quite protect the ball well enough though as it bounces his way off Gakpo’s flick and Mengi gets back in to make the interception.
Ogbene runs at Gomez again and curls in a shot, but Van Dijk makes the block.
16’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
19:49 , Karl Matchett
Onslaught at the other end since the goal but no immediate route back for the Reds. Doughty goes into the book for a kick and then a grab back on Gravenberch, who escaped him twice. Diaz has been heavily involved but not able to get a clean shot away yet – he should have scored at least one before Luton’s opener.
12’ – Liverpool 0-1 Luton
19:44 , Karl Matchett
GOAL! Out of nothing, Luton’s first real attack gets them in front at Anfield!
Down the left they move and it ends in Chong running into the box, his fierce shot is saved by Kelleher but there’s Ogbene at the far post to nod home from two yards out!
Luton ahead, Liverpool trail.
8’ – Liverpool 0-0 Luton
19:40 , Karl Matchett
Lots of early Liverpool pressure and it’s another corner now. Elliott delivers, it’s headed out but the second delivery causes even more issues – Gakpo eventually flicks an effort wide off the defender.
Diaz and MacAllister combine neatly and Elliott’s next cross is met by Gakpo’s overhead kick – straight at Kaminski this time though.
4’ – Liverpool 0-0 Luton
19:35 , Karl Matchett
A huge opening for Luis Diaz but he somehow can’t sort his feet out – it’s just a long ball which sees him in, but his first touch is short and he never gets a shot away. An early let-off for the Hatters.
Seconds later Diaz is in again after Elliott plays him in down the right this time – a left-footed curler is just off-target!
1’ – Liverpool 0-0 Luton
19:31 , Karl Matchett
We are underway at Anfield! The Reds attacking the Anfield Road end in the first half, as they prefer to do.
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
19:25 , Karl Matchett
Five minutes to go-time at Anfield. The Reds are understrength, particularly in attack, but Jurgen Klopp has demanded a performance from those in the side all the same.
Luton know this is one of the toughest games they’ll have all season, but surely must sense that a big showing from them tonight might sneak an unexpected point.
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
19:19 , Karl Matchett
The sides are out and warming up with just about ten minutes to go to kick-off.
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
19:08 , Karl Matchett
On a very youthful Liverpool bench, here’s what Jurgen Klopp had to say about a few of the names visible today:
“Trey and Dannsy are special as well from the U18s, Koumas. There are a lot of really good players coming up still. The academy is in a good moment, I would say, production-wise. It’s wonderful.
“We still have options there, definitely, players who showed already what they can do like James [McConnell] or Bobby [Clark].
“Others even who didn’t feature yet but are in or around that, Koumas, Dannsy, Trey, they are all massive talents.”
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:58 , Karl Matchett
Recent form:
LIV – W W W L W W
LUT – L D W D L L
Premier League
LIV – 1st, P25 W17 GD+35 PTS57
LUT – 18th, P24 W5 GD-13 PTS20
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:48 , Karl Matchett
Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as the Reds host Luton tonight.
Manchester City battled to a 1-0 win over Brentford on Tuesday evening in their game in hand as Erling Haaland scored a 71st-minute winner to close the gap to the Reds at the top of the table to just a single point. Klopp’s men are also two points clear of Arsenal.
Liverpool’s match won’t be shown on TV in the UK, however. This is why:
Why isn’t Liverpool v Luton on TV?
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:40 , Karl Matchett
That lineup – and subs bench of course – means the league leaders are tonight without Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
An opportunity for Luton to pick up points against an under-strength lineup?
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:34 , Karl Matchett
Luton lineup also confirmed: Kaminski, Ogbene, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Chong, Woodrow, Morris
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:32 , Karl Matchett
Confirmed Liverpool lineup: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
18:28 , Karl Matchett
Just a few minutes until team news – both sets of fans are waiting on who will be in action up front.
Mohamed Salah has had fatigue soreness after returning last time out and Darwin Nunez went off at half time, while Elijah Adebayo has already been ruled out by Luton.
FPL Gameweek 26: Kai Havertz, Simon Adingra and five transfer tips for players to sign this week
18:24 , Karl Matchett
Fantasy Premier League managers now have some real decisions to make as the season heads towards the final stretch, with several teams missing this gameweek who typically contain players in many FPL teams: Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Factoring in that and the upcoming few fixtures, we’ve picked out five players for GW26 to consider signing – but remember that the current gameweek doesn’t end until after Wednesday night’s fixtures are played out!
FPL GW26: Havertz and five transfer tips for players to sign this week
Why isn’t Liverpool v Luton on TV?
18:18 , Karl Matchett
Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as the Reds host Luton tonight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side surged to an impressive 4-1 win at Brentford on Saturday as Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, the returning Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were on target.
Injuries were a concern, however, with Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Nunez all going off to give Klopp a headache ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Manchester City battled to a 1-0 win over Brentford on Tuesday evening in their game in hand as Erling Haaland scored a 71st-minute winner to close the gap to the Reds at the top of the table to just a single point. Klopp’s men are also two points clear of Arsenal.
Liverpool’s match won’t be shown on TV in the UK, however, and here’s everything you need to know.
Why isn’t Liverpool v Luton on TV?
I want to knock City and Liverpool off their perch, declares Manchester United’s Jim Ratcliffe
18:12 , Karl Matchett
Sir Jim Ratcliffe accepts Manchester United have a lot to learn from their “noisy neighbours” Manchester City and Liverpool but is determined to “knock both of them off their perch” within three years as he set out his vision to rebuild the Red Devils.
Ratcliffe, 71, is now co-owner of the club he has supported since the age of six after completing the purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake which delegates control of football operations to his company Ineos.
I want to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch, declares Jim Ratcliffe
Jurgen Klopp details Liverpool’s problem in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe
18:05 , Karl Matchett
Jurgen Klopp said he would be surprised if all the major clubs in Europe tried to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer – because most of them cannot afford to.
The France captain has told Paris Saint-Germain that he intends to leave at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
Mbappe, the scorer of a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final and a club record 243 goals for PSG, may be available on a free transfer, though PSG could trigger a one-year extension so any deal could involve a transfer fee.
Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal have to be “in that conversation” to sign players of Mbappe’s calibre, though the forward is expected to join Real Madrid.
But while Klopp is leaving Liverpool and is not playing a part in their recruitment plans, adding that he had “no clue” if it is certain the forward will sign for Real, the German believes Mbappe is too expensive for some of the biggest clubs.
Jurgen Klopp details Liverpool’s problem in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe
‘Absolutely exceptional’: Jurgen Klopp backs Xabi Alonso as top choice in next generation of managers
17:59 , Karl Matchett
Jurgen Klopp had branded himself one of the managerial dinosaurs when he identified who he believes is the outstanding coach of the next generation. It is a choice many a Liverpool fan may hope their board will echo. Because while Klopp was not anointing Xabi Alonso his successor at Anfield, a glowing tribute was an endorsement of the work the Spaniard is doing with Bayer Leverkusen.
Klopp would, he said, have been effusive in his praise a couple of months back. If one fundamental change since then is the German’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool, another came on Saturday. Leverkusen’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich put them five points clear at the Bundesliga summit, making Alonso on course to become the first manager to make any club other than the Bavarian superpower the champions of Germany since Klopp himself. Time will tell if the Spaniard replaces Klopp in another respect.
Jurgen Klopp backs Xabi Alonso as top choice in next generation of managers
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
17:52 , Karl Matchett
At the start of this season, Liverpool’s back-up stopper still had more years to his name than senior appearances for the club. While that’s not too much of an issue for youngsters making their way in the game, Caoimhin Kelleher isn’t really a youth candidate any longer: even in goalkeeper terms, 25 years old is pushing towards mid-career territory and with Alisson Becker ahead of him at Anfield, regular minutes have always been hard to come by.
But this season has been slightly different. A start at Brentford on short notice, after the Brazilian suffered an apparent hamstring injury on the eve of the game, brought Kelleher up to 14 appearances for the campaign, 35 for the club overall.
It’s easily his best season in terms of game time, but also for consistency of performances, with Jurgen Klopp describing his showing in the 4-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium as “exceptional”.
He’ll be in goal again tonight – read Karl Matchett’s analysis of Kelleher’s situation at Anfield.
Amid Liverpool injury concerns, one thing is keeping trophy hopes alive
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
17:46 , Karl Matchett
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Diogo Jota will be out for months, joining a trio of Liverpool players on the sidelines to miss vital games against Luton and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final this week.
The Reds have been contending with a number of injuries in recent weeks, though Mohamed Salah starred in the 4-1 victory over Brentford to complete his return from a hamstring problem sustained on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.
But Jota and Curtis Jones will join Alisson in missing both games in what promises to be a crucial week for the Premier League leaders.
Klopp had already promised to pick Caoimhin Kelleher in goal anyway – but Liverpool will be without at least seven players at Wembley on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp rules Liverpool trio out of Luton and Chelsea games with injury update
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
17:39 , The Independent
Liverpool have the opportunity to strengthen their position in the Premier League title race when Luton Town visit Anfield on Wednesday night.
Manchester City’s win over Brentford on Tuesday evening reduced the Reds’ advantage to one point but the Premier League odds suggest they will go four points clear with a sixth win in the last seven Premier League fixtures.
The Hatters’ fighting spirit has made them tricky opponents for several sides this season, including Liverpool, who drew 1-1 at Kenilworth Road in November, but they are without a win in their last three games.
Football betting sites have priced Liverpool as heavy favourites to get the job done on Wednesday, but the visitors have enough about them to make an impact at Anfield.
See the latest odds and tips for Liverpool vs Luton here:
Liverpool vs Luton predictions: Premier League betting tips, odds and free bets
Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
17:32 , The Independent
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Liverpool vs Luton – LIVE
17:22 , Karl Matchett
Welcome to the Independent’s coverage of Liverpool vs Luton in the Premier League from Anfield, where it’s league leaders against relegation battlers on a rescheduled Wednesday night game.
Stay right here for all the team news and match build-up ahead of the 7:30pm kick-off.
