Watford is probably the game we need - Edwards

Rob Edwards has managed both Luton and Watford

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards believes the derby against Watford on Saturday is the ideal game for them as they look to kick-start their Championship campaign.

Following relegation from the Premier League last season, the Hatters have won just two of their opening nine matches and are one point above the relegation zone.

"I think it's probably the game that we need at the moment," Edwards told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"We've obviously had a difficult start and it's not been nice, so now is an opportunity for us to probably strip it back a little bit, simplify things and we know what's expected."

The two games between Luton Town and Watford in 2022-23 each ended in victory for the home side

Luton have managed just one win at Kenilworth Road so far this season but ran out 2-0 winners the last time they hosted Watford in April 2023.

Edwards is adamant he and his players know what the game means to the supporters.

"The players lived it last April, it's important to both sides and our lads know what it means and I've written that in my programme notes this week," the 41-year-old added.

Edwards had an 11 game spell in charge of Watford before being sacked in September 2022.

He joined Luton two months later, leading them to promotion to the Premier League.

"I realise how big the game is for everybody, for the town, for pride," Edwards said.

"Football is very tribal and Saturday is about the bragging rights, it's about pride, we all know what it means."

Jacob Brown joined Luton from Stoke City in the summer of 2023

Luton's poor start to the season has been highlighted with forward Elijah Adebayo failing to score in any of his nine league starts but fellow striker, Jacob Brown has featured in the last three games after a seven month lay-off due to a knee injury.

"Obviously it's been a difficult start and not the start we'd hoped for but we're all being very positive and with a big game coming up this weekend, it's a chance for us to turn our season around," Brown told BBC Look East.

"It's a perfect game really. We know how much it means to the fans.

"For us as a team, we know that a big performance and result at the weekend can be a good starting point for us."

Brown was signed by Edwards just two days before their Premier League season kicked off in August 2023 and he believes the manager is dealing with the pressure which has been building.

"He's handling it well. Everything always seems to be down to the manager," Brown added.

"It shouldn't really be like that because the players are the ones going out on the pitch and we haven't been bringing in the results that we should.

"Most of it is on us so it's important we go out and put in a big performance and show we're all in it together because it's a lot of pressure, especially when it's all being put on him."

Tom Lockyer is yet to make a decision on his future in the game

Luton will have captain Tom Lockyer in the dressing room ahead of the Watford game as he continues his rehabilitation from collapsing on the pitch in their Premier League match at Bournemouth last December.

The Wales international is yet to make a decision about a potential return to playing but Edwards is pleased to have him back at the club.

"I think Locks will be about (on Saturday) and it's amazing to have him back around the training ground at the moment," Edwards said.

"He's an influential character for us and someone who has been getting around this last week in spreading that message of how important the game is."