Luton Town

The team news for Bournemouth v Luton is in, with less than an hour to go before kick-off at Vitality Stadium.

Build-up followed by live text updates here

According to Opta's 'Supercomputer', Luton Town are likely to be relegated this season with 31.08 points (31.08 to be precise!).

We asked you for your thoughts on this prediction and here are some of your responses:

Rob: I think it will be tight. The away games at Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham will be very hard to take anything from, so we need to win at least four of the home games we have. We've been so competitive at home but we really need to turn draws into wins. There may also be points deductions for other clubs, but we need to try and do it on out own. I hope we can but it will be tough.

Rowan: Luton will not be related as they have Barkley!

Nick: I think we have momentum and we will get enough points to be safe without relying on other teams and their potential point deductions. We have shown we can pick up points without playing our best. It's essential we win against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, if we can then we have every chance of staying up.

David: We certainly have the will power and the heart to stay up. The number of injuries to key players at this time of the season makes our effort all the more difficult. If we can get a least four points from our next two games then we are in with a chance. The Premier League needs a club like Luton.

Gareth: Injuries is the big problem Luton have at the moment and any points from their games against Bournemouth and, especially, Nottingham Forest will be crucial. If we can get key players fit for the last five games of the season then we have a shot. They all look potentially winnable.

Anji: Luton have continued to shock everyone with performances and results this season and there is no reason why our fairytale journey won't continue! Keeping the faith that Luton will stay up - even if it’s on goal difference! COYH!

Image source, BBC Sport

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

For Bournemouth's replayed game against Luton Town on Wednesday, he is against darts player 'Hollywood' Chris Dobey.

The original match took place on 16 December and was abandoned midway through the second half after Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed.

This is the only game from the set of fixtures in week 17 left to be played, and Sutton currently leads Dobey 90-70.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

I made Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke triple-captain of my fantasy team this week, because they were playing this game as well as Sheffield United on Saturday.

I did warn Cherries fans before the weekend that would mean something would go wrong for Solanke and, typically, it did.

He won a penalty against the Blades... and then missed it. You couldn't make it up and, on the basis that I've jinxed him, he won't score in this game either - although obviously I hope I'm wrong!

This is a massive week for Luton, who play relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday and will go above them, and climb out of the bottom three on goal-difference or goals scored, going into that game if they win on the south coast first.

I was at Luton's last game, against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and there is so much to admire about them, and the way they keep going in games. Palace really should have wrapped their win up long before Luton's stoppage-time equaliser, but Rob Edwards' side hung on in there and got their reward right at the end.

The Hatters are really depleted by injuries at the moment, though, and while Teden Mengi is available after limping off against the Eagles, Gabriel Osho is out, so they could be struggling defensively.

I always think Luton have a goal in them - the last time they failed to find the net in a Premier League game was against Manchester United on 11 November - so I think they will score, but I'm going with Bournemouth to edge it.

Dobey's prediction: 2-0

See the latest team news and make your own prediction here

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Here are the key facts and figures before the replayed game between Bournemouth and Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.

• The original match on 16 December was abandoned midway through the second half after Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed. The score was 1-1 after goals by Elijah Adebayo and Dominic Solanke.

• This is the first top-flight fixture between Bournemouth and Luton. They have met 58 times in the second, third and fourth tiers. The Cherries have won 22 of those games to the Hatters' 21, with 15 draws.

• Luton are without a win in six Premier League matches, equalling their longest such run in the competition. However, they will move out of the relegation zone with three points on Wednesday.

• Only Liverpool (24) and Arsenal (16) have scored more Premier League goals in the final 15 minutes of games than Luton (15) this season.

• Solanke is Bournemouth's leading league goalscorer (14 goals) this season. Only Joshua King (16 goals in 2016-17) has netted more Premier League goals for the Cherries in a campaign.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea and Everton winger

Image source, Reuters

Watching Everton, Luton Town and Sheffield United on Saturday underlined just how competitive the Premier League is. Nobody has given up down at the bottom and no three points can ever be taken for granted.

Luton battled to the very death against Crystal Palace to win a point in the 96th minute. Everton had more possession, chances and endeavour than Manchester United at Old Trafford and although there is a distinct lack of quality in front of goal, the spirit is there in bucketfuls.

Sheffield United might have buckled after the embarrassing 6-0 home hammering by Arsenal, but no, they were back down at Bournemouth going 2-0 up before succumbing to a late equaliser.

All the bottom sides have weaknesses, most obviously up front with few natural goalscorers, though Luton's Elijah Adebayo has scored nine in the league. His return is arguably as impressive as Erling Haaland's 18 to date, simply because the Norwegian gets so many more chances.

The teams at the bottom are all fighting, and each is dangerous. They keep the entire division honest, and they deserve applause for that alone. Who knows, one of them might even decide the title in the end.

As if to underline the above, Burnley, who are very likely to be in the Championship next season, were asking West Ham the toughest of questions after going 2-0 up in east London on Sunday. Eventually, David Moyes got the message across that there are no easy games and they fought back impressively in another cracking game.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton Town's replayed Premier League game at Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the original fixture at Vitality Stadium in December: "He is coming down with us, which will be great. I know he has got bigger things on his mind than football at the moment, with a new baby, so he is in a position where that is his main focus."

• He added: "Going forward, we would love to have him here on a weekly, or even daily, basis to be in and around the players. He can help us with his experience."

• On the bond between the clubs: "The Bournemouth Supporters' Trust has been raising money for our supporters, to help pay for their travel, because they have had to make the journey twice. I think that shows a lot of class."

• Money has also been raised for the British Heart Foundation and Edwards said "off the back of what was a harrowing experience for everybody, a lot of good has come out of it".er Saturday's draw with Crystal Palace Teden Mengi should be OK but Gabriel Osho is unavailable.

• Ross Barkley suffered a broken nose but he is "alright." Amari'i Bell, Sambi Lokonga and Elijah Adebayo remain out.

• On Barkley potentially returning to the England squad: "That's not my call. All I am interested in is how he performs for Luton Town Football Club."

• Edwards wants Luton "to start games how we finish", adding: "We don't want to be safe, and we've done that for the majority of the season."

As the Premier League heads into the business end of the season, statisticians Opta have been putting the remaining fixtures through their 'supercomputer' to predict who will finish where in the table at the end of the campaign.

Luton Town, who currently sit 18th in the table on 21 points, are among a number of teams fighting to keep their place in the Premier League.

They next face Bournemouth on Wednesday, before hosting Nottingham Forest who are currently three points above them in the table.

According to Opta, the Hatters are likely to be relegated this season with 31.08 points.

But what do you think Luton fans? Do you agree with the prediction or have you got faith Rob Edwards and the team can beat the 'supercomputer' and survive?

Have your say here

Ollie Kay
Fan writer

Luton are simply the team that never quit. However, this performance was different to the rest of our recent performances, whereby we have played fantastic football but got nothing out of the games because of errors leading to goals which gives the opposition a head start.

Yes, there was an error leading to the goal against Crystal Palace, but we stayed in the game. Although it wasn’t a performance that earned us the plaudits of that against Aston Villa or Manchester United, it was a performance where we showed grit, determination and pragmatism to earn a point with only five seconds on the clock.

We now have two games over the next week, with these fixtures looking crucial in the relegation run in.

Although Bournemouth are very much out of the relegation scrap, we should be fired up considering it is the rematch of that game in December which was suspended due to our captain, Tom Lockyer, having a cardiac arrest.

But we can’t let that occasion distract us from the six-pointer against Nottingham Forest, which is quite frankly a must-win game. It’s at home, they are the team directly above us, and we simply can’t rely on potential point deductions - considering the appeal decision comes a week after the conclusion of the season.

If Luton Town are to stay in the Premier League, this week is make or break.

We will do it our way.

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

We asked for your views on Saturday's game between Crystal Palace and Luton Town.

Here are some of your responses:

Palace fans

Vic: Another game where points have been given away in the final minutes of the game. The coaching staff need to remind the players that the game goes on until the referee blows the final whistle. Stats look good but three points against Luton at home should have been the only result. Defence needs to be seriously looked at.

Gary: Still can't see the game out. Bad game management. Trying to play out when the ball should have been whacked anywhere with seconds to go. Eze didn't get close to Townsend for the cross, but we had enough chances to win the game. Glaser has to change approach in final 15 minutes. Forest up next. Don't win that and it could be squeaky bum time.

Moggy: At the risk of stating the obvious, we should have scored a second goal - but Jordan has been substituted twice now and then we have conceded. He also knows the importance of holding the ball in the last minutes of a tight game. Two points lost and completely gutted.

Glen: Overall the game was enjoyable and definitely different to what we have become used to. We should have won and missed too many opportunities in front of goal. The manager is definitely coaching from the sideline and getting involved with every moment, which makes for a great atmosphere. Let's get behind the new management and see what they can do.

Luton fans

Kevin: I think it was a fair result. At times during the match, both teams had their advantages. But Luton proves again they have the tenacity to stay up. Bournemouth this week will be another critical match to get a result.

Bob: Well, finally a point when maybe we didn't deserve it. That's what we need, rather than plucky losers every week. This will go to the wire, but we will never give up.

Mac: Only Liverpool scoring more goals than us in the last 15 minutes not only shows our never-say-die attitude, it's also testament to our fitness. However, we need to rid ourselves of these frustrating defensive errors as they are slowly undermining all the good that we do.

Kbot: Defence withstood all the pressure. Never gave up even when Palace were on top. Toughed it out and got a point when all looked lost. Great resilience. That’s the kind of spirit that will keep us up. Well done lads.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on Monday.

Martin in Derby: Only three Premier League clubs have panic sacked their managers this season: Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. So far, none are better off, arguably worse off in Forest's case. What do you think of this strategy versus the boards who hold their nerve - a la Burnley, Luton, Everton, Brentford with the longer term learning and stability in mind?

Phil: It's a tough choice, Martin, but it certainly has not had the desired impact at Sheffield United and Forest with Chris Wilder returning and Nuno Espirito Santo being appointed at the City Ground. Far too early to make any considered judgement on Oliver Glasner at Palace.

Vincent Kompany had credit in the bank for taking Burnley up but it's been a miserable season and they seem simply resigned to going down and maybe letting him try again next season. There is no-one at Everton to make a decision on Sean Dyche even if they wanted to, which is very unlikely. Thomas Frank has done a top-class job at Brentford despite recent struggles while if the art of good management is getting the best out of what you have then Rob Edwards is doing incredibly well at Luton Town. They could still stay up.

There are considered reasons why they are all still in their jobs.

I think the prospect of relegation can induce panic and clubs must also weigh up whether there is anyone out there who could do any better. A very hard choice and only the final league table will tell if the right decision has been taken.

Image source, Getty Images

ESPN's chief football Writer Mark Ogden believes Luton boss Rob Edwards' "ultra-positive" attitude is key in the Hatters continuing to push for survival.

Cauley Woodrow's 96th minute equaliser was the 15th goal they have scored in the last 15 minutes of Premier League games this season - second only to league leaders Liverpool (24) - and ensured they ended Saturday just three points from safety.

"The one thing that strikes me about Rob Edwards is he has such positive energy," Ogden told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"A lot of managers after games will moan and complain and can kind of sap your energy a little but but Edwards is so positive.

"If you're playing for him you will believe you can get a result, get a last minute goal.

"He's energised the fans and the players.

"It's not just about tactics being a manager, it's about managing relationships and also being a motivator. He's been absolutely brilliant this season. Every time you see him he has this belief that they can do it.

"I think they can. Maybe I'm falling for the whole Rob Edwards thing but I think they can do it because he is Mr. Positive but he believes it as well which is the most important thing.

"Whatever you say in public does reflect on your team and there are managers in the Premier League who just complain.

"But, Rob Edwards is ultra-positive and I think that's why Luton are doing so well."

• Did you know? Only Arsenal (14) have scored more headed goals than Luton in the Premier League this season (13). The Hatters have now avoided defeat in each of their last three Premier League away games this season in which they’ve conceded the opening goal (D3), after losing six of their first seven such games of the campaign (D1).

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five 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 and 5 Sports Extra match commentaries in full:

• Crystal Palace v Luton Town

• Arsenal v Brentford

A stoppage-time goal from Cauley Woodrow saw Luton Town snatch a draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles made a fast start and Jean-Philippe Mateta put his team into the lead after just 11 minutes.

A pass back from Alfie Doughty towards his goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski led to a mix-up between Gabriel Osho and Kaminski, and Daniel Munoz took advantage before giving the ball to Mateta, who finished with a clever flick into the corner of the net.

The home side had 17 shots during the match and missed a host of chances to make sure they took all three points, with Mateta, Daniel Munoz, Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze going close before Odsonne Edouard hit the crossbar late on.

Palace were then punished for not taking their opportunities when second-half substitute Woodrow headed in a cross from Andros Townsend in the 96th minute to spark wild celebrations in the away end and earn what could be a vital point for Luton in the fight against relegation.

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

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

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

Follow all of the reaction here

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

Listen to radio commentaries and follow live text updates here

All times are GMT

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

I am at this game for BBC Radio 5 Live and it is a big one for Luton, who have lost four league games in a row as well as going out of the FA Cup to Manchester City.

Their run of good form at the end of January feels a long time ago and, although they have had some difficult games recently, this has to be seen as a fixture where they need to get something if they are going to stay up.

They beat Crystal Palace earlier in the season, so that must be the target again - I am just not sure whether they can do it.

It is a boost for the Eagles that Eberechi Eze is back from injury, and he scored against Tottenham last week.

They always carry more of a threat when he is in the team, but to be completely honest, I really don't know what to expect from them yet under new boss Oliver Glasner.

They beat Burnley comfortably in his first game - which was a great start - but you have to remember the Clarets were down to 10 men for an hour. Then, against Tottenham last week, they lost and only had 22% possession.

What I am trying to say is it is going to take time for things to take shape under Glasner, and we will have to wait and see what kind of playing style he implements. As for this game, well it smells like a draw to me.

Dave's prediction: 1-2

Bria's prediction: 1-2

Read the rest of their predictions here

Is getting promoted to the Premier League too easy if you've just been relegated?

Daniel Storey from the i Newspaper has been telling The Football News Show about a problem brewing in winning promotion and battling the drop.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer here

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