Drawing Manchester City made Ethan think more deeply.
Manchester City's form this season has been highly inconsistent. This is not the same dominant team that would go on to win the Premier League in future seasons. Despite signing several big-name players, the team looks disjointed and lacks cohesion. That's the reason why, despite having a handful of top-class players, they've been struggling in the Premier League.
This is often the case when a smaller club suddenly receives a major financial boost and starts bringing in high-profile signings. Simply stacking a squad with stars doesn't automatically create a strong team. It's not just about having talent—it's about integrating that talent into a well-functioning unit. Only when the team plays as a collective can the individual brilliance of the players truly shine.
If Luton manages to beat Manchester City in the fifth round, they'll reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. And if the quarterfinal draw is favorable—say, against a less formidable opponent—then a spot in the semifinals would be within reach. Just two wins away from lifting the trophy... It's certainly something worth fighting for!
Winning the FA Cup? And doing so while managing a second division side? That would likely go down as the biggest underdog triumph in the history of the tournament.
Ethan was excited by the challenge.
He opened the calendar and checked the upcoming fixtures.
The fifth round of the FA Cup would be held on February 14th—still more than 20 days away. In that period, Luton only had three league matches scheduled in January, plus one match each in the Championship and the league in early February.
Five matches in over 20 days—one of which was in a less significant cup—meant Ethan had some flexibility. He could even consider going without rotation in the league games, allowing his strongest eleven to focus fully on the Manchester City match without major concerns over fatigue.
...
With the decision made, the coaching staff's preparations began to revolve entirely around beating Manchester City.
Ethan sent Lin Sen on a scouting mission. While media coverage of Manchester City was abundant, Ethan needed more precise and detailed analysis. Lin Sen was tasked with observing City's matches and training sessions, identifying likely starters for the FA Cup clash, and compiling a detailed assessment report.
It was a painstaking task.
But football often throws up surprises.
On January 24th, Luton hosted Bradford at home.
Bradford were level on points with Luton, sitting just behind them in the table due to goal difference.
From kickoff, Bradford adopted a defensive approach. Luton had become accustomed to this—most League Two teams now used a similar strategy against them: stay compact at the back, defend deep in numbers, and hope to nick a goal on the break, or settle for a draw.
The first half passed without much incident, but just before the break, Luton finally broke the deadlock.
From a corner, the ball was swung into the box.
Center-back Jeffrey rose highest, outjumping his marker to power a header toward goal. Bradford's keeper pulled off a fine save, but Charlie Austin reacted quickest. His clever positioning allowed him to pounce on the rebound and slot it home before the goalkeeper could recover.
In this match, Ethan had used a tactical card that gave Jeffrey a 7% boost in aerial ability. Already strong in the air, the young center-back became even more effective with this temporary boost.
Now 18, Jeffrey had matured significantly after months of regular football. His all-around game had developed impressively compared to just six months ago.
"This kid might even work as a center forward!" Ethan mused.
Ethan clapped his hands, applauding his player's brilliant performance, then turned to his assistant coach, John, with a satisfied nod.
The fans at Kenilworth Road erupted in cheers. Such a goal-scoring scene had become routine for Luton Town this season. Charlie Austin, the team's second-highest scorer, had once again delivered — and the entire stadium was chanting his name.
But the celebration was short-lived. The atmosphere quickly shifted as fans noticed something was wrong — Austin remained on the ground, clutching his ankle instead of getting up to celebrate.
Team physio Haruko Sakuragi rushed onto the pitch with her assistants. After a quick assessment, she looked concerned. Walking to the touchline, she shook her head and gestured for a substitution.
Charlie Austin couldn't continue — he was injured and would have to be replaced.
Ethan cursed under his breath. Fortunately, the first half was nearly over. He instructed the team to finish the half with ten men, letting the remaining seconds tick away.
"His ankle is already swollen," Haruko reported quietly to Ethan on the sidelines. "We're taking him for a scan now. Hopefully, the ligaments aren't damaged…"
Judging from her expression, the injury was troubling.
In the second half, Bradford offered little threat. Luton's replacement striker, the tall center-forward Matt Schmidt, rose above the defenders to score a header, sealing a 2–0 victory.
Elsewhere, Exeter City — sixth in the league — suffered a defeat, meaning Luton climbed to seventh with 43 points. But Ethan wasn't in the mood to celebrate. Losing a key player had taken the shine off the win.
Later, Charlie Austin's injury report came in: no ligament damage. He'd be sidelined for just two weeks — a relief. Ethan breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't serious. In his previous life, he remembered how Austin's promising career had been hampered by recurring ankle injuries...
But this injury seemed to open the floodgates.
On January 28th, Luton played away against Bournemouth. Despite winning 2–0 thanks to two headers from Schmidt, misfortune struck again. In the 83rd minute, midfielder Danny Drinkwater collided with an opponent and suffered a mild concussion. With all substitutions used, Luton had to finish the match with ten men. Thankfully, their defense held firm under late pressure.
Then came the final league match of January — a home fixture against Burnley on the 31st.
Luton wrapped up the win early. Jamie Vardy, finally breaking his scoring drought, netted twice in the first half. Schmidt, starting in place of the injured Austin, added another, both strikers in top form.
But early in the second half, disaster struck again. Team captain Kevin Keane suddenly sat down off the ball, gripping his hamstring.
At 32, the veteran had suffered a muscle strain — the third first-team injury of the month.
It was ironic. In December, during the busiest fixture schedule of the season, Luton had avoided major injuries. But now, with a lighter January schedule, they were losing key players one after another. Ethan could only shake his head.
Injuries are part of football — every team faces them. Luton was no exception. Sometimes, bad luck is all it takes.