Luton Town

Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton Town's Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Edwards said Luton have had "bad luck" in conceding late goals recently after their 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa last week and feels his side deserved a result, while conceding the best teams "find a way to win".

• On the Hatters improving as a side, Edwards said: "We let ourselves down in moments and I take the responsibility. There's areas we can work with individuals to improve. We need to find a way to get something from the game. It's not difficult to get the lads up from these moments. We played well."

• On team news he said: Amari'i Bell is out having damaged the a hamstring on the opposite leg to his last issue. Joe Johnson has glandular fever and Edwards said "we need to look after him".

• Edwards said even though Luton won against Crystal Palace earlier this season, the "second game will always be different", adding: "They have a new manager. It's nice we got three points last time around, but it's different to refer back to it. It's a different day, different circumstances, we will go into it and do our best."

• "It's great progress to me", said Edwards when questioned about Sunny Singh Gill becoming the first ever British South Asian to referee a Premier League game in Saturday's fixture.

Follow Friday's live Premier League news conferences here

Luton captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Bournemouth in December, says becoming a dad for the first time has changed "everything" for him.

The 29-year-old Wales international told Gary Lineker's podcast The Rest is Football, the arrival of his daughter had "changed my world".

The defender said he had thought "football was the most important thing in the world" but the birth had given him a new perspective.

"This little girl came along and changes everything for me," he said.

The Wales international has previously told how he was "technically dead" for nearly three minutes and was resuscitated by medics.

He told presenters Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards: "The first thought I had when I came round was 'My missus is in the stand and she's seven months' pregnant.'

"But she seemed to have handled it really well and was amazing throughout the birth. I can't speak highly enough of her."

Read more on this story here

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Luton commentator Geoff Doyle spoke to the Luton in the Prem podcast about the Hatters' next three matches against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest: "He [Rob Edwards] is playing down these three games, but they are huge. It's these three, and especially the Forest one. That's the biggest game of the season now because they are the team that Luton are going to have to catch.

"I think they have to beat Forest, and could they win one of the other two? Six out of nine points would be excellent. If they win the other two and lose to Forest, you're thinking can they can catch anyone else?"

On Satuday's game, Doyle added: They [Crystal Palace] are beatable, they concede a lot of late goals and Luton score a lot of late goals. If Luton give it a go, I'd give them a real chance [of winning]."

Listen to the full episode here

A new episode of the Luton in the Prem podcast by BBC Radio Three counties has landed on BBC Sounds.

BBC Three Counties Radio commentators Geoff Doyle and Simon Oxley reflect on the Hatters' defeat to Aston Villa and look ahead to their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Listen to the full episode here

Geoff Doyle
BBC 3CR sports editor

There is a mind-blowing irony that Luton Town’s Premier League fate this season could be decided by points deductions - or appeals against them.

A club which tumbled out of the football league due to an unprecedented 30-point deduction back in 2008, could stay up as a result of sanctions for either of Nottingham Forest or Everton.

The twist is that on appeal a points deduction might get reduced - like with Everton recently - and as a result the Hatters go down.

Forest’s case is being heard this week. The verdict may not be until April. The season finishes in May and any appeal might drag on until after then.

There is this awful doomsday scenario plaguing my mind that Luton could be above the relegation zone following the final matches of the season only to be dumped back into it following a successful deduction appeal.

It surely could not come to that could it? Can you imagine the outcry not just from Luton fans but from worldwide followers of the game? Manager Rob Edwards has described the potential situation as “mental”.

Of course Edwards knows the easiest way to ensure survival is to finish above the bottom three, regardless of points deductions. But that is easier said than done and the likelihood is that the fight to stay in the most exciting league in the world is going to get very, very messy.

In the short term, this could be a nightmare situation for the Hatters but the crumb of comfort is that long term these sanctions will help clubs like Luton.

We saw in the recent January transfer window a massive decrease in money spent on signings with Premier League clubs worried about financial fair play.

It should lead to a more level playing field and that will suit smaller clubs who are run well.

Clubs will have to get their finances in order which should lead to more fairness - and that gives teams like Luton an even better chance in the top league.

Commentary of Crystal Palace v Luton Town on BBC Three Counties Digital Radio and Online (UK only) via BBC Sounds on Saturday from 15:00 GMT

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Crystal Palace and Luton in the Premier League.

• This will be Crystal Palace's first home league game against Luton Town since February 2007 in the Championship (won 2-1), and first in the top flight since a 1-1 draw in February 1992.

• After their 2-1 win in November, Luton could complete only their fourth ever league double over Crystal Palace, after 1936-37 (Third Division South), 1973-74 (second tier), and 2005-06 (Championship).

• Crystal Palace have won four of their five Premier League games against promoted sides this season, though the exception was a 2-1 loss at Luton in the reverse fixture. The promoted team that most recently achieved the double over the Eagles were Sheffield United in 2019-20.

• Palace have won three of their past four Premier League games at Selhurst Park (L1), as many as their previous 13 beforehand (D5 L5). The Eagles have scored exactly three goals in each of those three wins, after having only scored three or more goals in three of their previous 31 home league matches prior to this.

• Luton have lost each of their past four Premier League games. They have not lost five league matches in a row since November 2019 in the Championship. In the top flight, the Hatters last had a longer losing run within a single season from November-December 1974 (six games).

• Only James Ward-Prowse (six) has more assists from set-plays in the Premier League this season than Alfie Doughty, with five of the Luton full-back’s six assists so far this term coming from set-pieces.

Ollie Kay
Fan writer

Luton Town have lost five games on the spin in all competitions.

The majority of these have been tight competitive games. However, other than the Sheffield United loss, defeats against Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are not the games that will define our season - and certainly not the games that decide whether we stay up.

However, the next three matches against teams in the bottom half of the table are vital.

Also, a word on the divide in the fanbase that has arisen on social media.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I will say though just because you have supported Luton Town Football Club for longer than other fans, by virtue of when you were born, does not entitle you to more of an opinion or to shout down others.

At the end of the day, we are all Luton Town fans, and the most important thing is to back the team, the manager and the board this season.

Ultimately, we have an unprecedented injury crisis but seeing the look on Alfie Doughty’s face as the players left the field on Saturday, it is clear how much they want to survive in this league.

After that second half, I can see it happening.

Ollie Kay can be found at We Are Luton Town, external

We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League match between Luton and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Luton fans

Leo: Good performance, especially to equalise in the second half, but we need to start getting something from games rather than being plucky losers. The next few games are pretty critical, I think.

Nick: Very proud of Rob Edwards and this group of players - they give everything. We just need a decision and a piece of luck to go our way for a change.

Neil: Yet another spirited performance with nothing to show at the end of the evening. Sadly, we continue to ship goals late on in matches. It's a trend which worryingly could come back to haunt us.

Kevin: No one will ever question the effort. I think the Premier league will be better if Luton can figure a way to earn points and stay up. I wonder how the defense would be with Tom Lockyer on the field. Keep playing this way and we will get results in the matches to follow.

Aston Villa fans

Shak: Based on the first half, I thought Villa would hit four or five goals. Credit to Luton in the second half as I thought they'd nick it. They probably deserved at least a point, so that makes it a good away win for Villa. Hopefully, we can follow it up with a good result in Amsterdam and beat Spurs when they come to Villa Park to tighten the grip on fourth.

Simone: We need to be stronger when we play physical teams like Luton. It’s games like those where we really miss Tyrone Mings attacking the first ball. We can’t afford to sit back when we have the lead either - it’s bitten us more than once this season and it almost did again.

Dave: If ever there was a game of two halves. In absolute control and then we seemed to want to allow Luton back in after the break. A lovely goal gave us the three points that we deserved over the whole game. The biggest positive for me was the impact of the subs. When we've lost a lead in the past we've dropped heads and given up. Not now.

Kemper: Once again we have lost the momentum and allowed ourselves to be put on the back foot by a team that we had dominated in the first half. We continue to be vulnerable regarding set pieces and I don’t see any improvement in this area. Our inability, due to injuries, to play a settled back four is also a problem.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas says the aftermath of Aston Villa's late winner to beat Luton Town 3-2 on Saturday was the first time he had seen Rob Edwards "on the edge".

Edwards had seen his side battle back from 2-0 down at half time to level the match before Lucas Digne dramatic late winner made it five Premier League matches without a win.

"It's a bit like the Forest situation," Jenas told Match of the Day.

"There's an element of you that feels sorry for them and there's an element thinking they didn't turn up in the first half.

"They were nowhere to be seen - it could have been 5-0 quite easily.

"They fought their way back into it but it's another last-minute goal they've conceded at home. It was a poor one they conceded.

"It was the first time I've looked at Rob Edwards and thought he was on the edge.

"He was not happy with the goal they conceded because they fought so hard to get back in it."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Former Rangers and Brentford manager Mark Warburton discussed Aston Villa's 3-2 win over Luton on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily:

"Magnificent, what a spectacle for the Premier League and truly a game of two halves.

"The quality displayed by Villa, had they been 4-0 up at half-time then it wouldn't have been an unfair scoreline.

"But a magnificent reaction from Luton, tactically tweaking some things, personnel, and you saw players stepping up. Edwards clearly asked them for more intensity second half and they responded so well.

"The crowd got behind them and at 2-2 they could have easily gone on to win the game.

"But the Premier League being the Premier League, that final basic - not closing down a cross - great quality from [Moussa] Diaby, great finish from [Lucas] Digne and there's the three points.

"That's the difference between Champions League and Premier League."

Ollie Watkins scored two against the Hatters and was a threat all afternoon and Warburton believes he has earned a place in the England squad.

"What a fantastic option for Gareth Southgate to look at," he added. "You have someone with confidence, pace, great technique, and a constant thorn in the side of defenders."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:

• Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

• Luton Town v Aston Villa

Image source, Getty Images

Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, speaking to Match of the Day: "We have to defend the final [stages] better, we have to brush up on those things.

"We will continue to work hard on that and if we don't we know what will happen. The boys were incredible especially in the second half.

"We got done in the first half with two set-pieces, but in the second half we were outstanding - we pushed them back and dominated the game."

On if losing was because of mentality: "No, I don't think so. It's all linked, we have to learn. It's hard to think about positives, but there is so much to like.

"If we can keep massive aspects of what we are doing then I believe we can do this. There are little areas we have to improve on quickly.

"We finished the game with not many defenders on the pitch. It is hard with injuries, but I am not going to complain about it.

"The lads took their chance today, it was an outstanding performance against an outstanding football team. Villa have great individuals and are very well coached."

On Tahith Chong: "He has real qualities and a brilliant personality on the ball that is why we brought him to the football club.

"The fans have taken to him and he is working hard and like all of us he has areas to improve on."

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty

Luton are still battling.

The Hatters, in their maiden season in the Premier League since the 1992 rebrand, have had a hugely impressive campaign to still have hopes of survival. Burnley and Sheffield United, who were promoted alongside them last season, are as good as relegated.

They looked out of this game after 45 minutes with injuries affecting them - not for the first time this season.

An early injury to Amari'i Bell left them playing people out of position at the back but they improved when they brought on Japan defender Daiki Hashioka for his Premier League debut.

After what would prove to be the winner from Lucas Digne, they had one more big chance but Teden Mengi headed over five minutes into stoppage time.

Worryingly though this was a fifth defeat in a row in all competitions. Is time running out?

• Aston Villa have won three successive away Premier League games for the first time since January 2023, in s their first three such matches under manager Unai Emery. It is the first time that the Villa have recorded three consecutive away victories while scoring two or more goals in the competition since November 2007.

• Luton Town have lost each of their last three Premier League home games. It is the first time that the Hatters have suffered three consecutive league defeats at Kenilworth Road since April 2016 as a League Two side.

• Aston Villa have scored 59 goals in the Premier League this season, their outright second most in a single campaign in the competition after only 2007-08 (71).

• Ollie Watkins has been directly involved in 26 Premier League goals this season, the outright most of any player in the competition (16 goals, 10 assists). Watkins has netted 16 goals in the Premier League across 2023-24, surpassing his previous highest tally in a single top-flight campaign (15 in 2022-23).

• Leon Bailey and Watkins have combined for seven Premier League goals this season, more than any other duo. It is the second most for a Villa duo in a single Premier League campaign, after Savo Milosevic and Dwight Yorke in 1995-96 (eight).

• Luton's Carlton Morris has been directly involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) across his last seven Premier League games, twice as many as in his first 19 appearances in the competition (four). Morris has either scored (3) or assisted (1) a goal in each of his last four at Kenilworth Road.

Lucas Digne scored a dramatic late winner as Aston Villa strengthened their grip on a Champions League place and meant Luton Town's comeback was in vain.

Villa had looked in complete control thanks to Ollie Watkins' first-half double and it seemed as if they would go on to increase their lead.

England striker Watkins headed in from Leon Bailey's corner to give Villa the lead and raced onto Douglas Luiz's ball over the top before slotting in their second.

That one was initially disallowed by the officials for offside but awarded after a video assistant referee review.

Luton, who did not have a shot until first-half injury time, looked like a new team after the break.

Tahith Chong gave them hope with a goal after a scramble in the box and Carlton Morris' controlled volley from Alfie Doughty's free-kick levelled the score.

Morris even had a chance to win the game for Luton but his header was straight at Emiliano Martinez.

And Digne made them pay when he headed in a cross from fellow substitute Moussa Diaby.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Luton fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Villa fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

There are seven games being played in the Premier League on Saturday and we will bring you every moment.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries and get live text updates here

Radio commentaries

• Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

• Luton Town v Aston Villa

All times are GMT

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae from rock band Twin Atlantic.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Luton have had so much praise recently - including from me. I said at the start of this month that Rob Edwards deserves to be named 'manager of the season' if he keeps them up.

I still stand by that, but with Everton getting some of their points back, and Luton losing three league games in a row, they are now desperate for points again.

This feels like an important time for Luton. We've seen how difficult it has been for clubs to come to Kenilworth Road all season, but it feels like their home defeat by Sheffield United on 10 February was a big setback that they have not got over yet.

The other thing about the way they are approaching games is that, while they always look like they have got a goal in them, being that little bit more expansive means they are vulnerable.

When you consider how dangerous Aston Villa are going forward, it feels like they are asking for trouble and it will be interesting to see if Edwards tweaks his approach again.

I don't think he will and, while I expect Luton to score, Villa will score more.

Sam's prediction: 1-0

Ross' prediction: 0-3

See the full list of predictions here