Luton Town

Geoff Doyle
BBC 3CR sports editor

Going into what is now their biggest game of the season so far against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, Luton Town will have to somehow dust themselves down and pick themselves up after the psychologically demoralising defeat on Wednesday.

The loss at Bournemouth could be damaging but the manager, coaches and staff must lift those players and address how and why they squandered such a lead to try and stop it happening again.

But it's not as simple as that and it's important not to be too critical. The majority of pundits never gave the Hatters a chance of staying up and they've already quashed that as they continue to give it a good go.

The crippling injury situation is a nightmare. Eight first team players were missing on Wednesday night, including key players in the spine of the team.

They are having to use the same players game after game and many of them could do with a rest. But such is Rob Edwards' now thin squad, he can't give them that and so mentally and physically the Hatters are exhausted and struggling to cope - thus when teams turn on the intensity, Luton wobble.

The difference between the two halves was more to do with Bournemouth than Luton. In the first half, the Cherries underestimated the Hatters and out of possession were casual, passive and lacking any sort of structured press, which no team can get away with. Luton lapped it up.

After no doubt strong words at half time, Bournemouth sorted their out-of-possession laxness, allowing them to then blitz Edwards' team in possession. Luton are going have to learn very quickly how to deal with situations like that and know what to do when they come under such pressure. Even if that means a bit of gamesmanship and breaking up play with an 'injury' or two.

What it comes down to is decision-making, game management and footballing intelligence. It's not just about the basics like technique, talent and touch, the very best players have both skillsets.

That's what Luton are up against - teams that can spend 10, 20, 30 million pounds to get those types of players. The Hatters might be able to do that in the future but, guess what, that would involve staying up. Football can be cruel, hence, Forest on Saturday is massive.

Commentary of Luton Town v Nottingham Forest on BBC three counties digital radio

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Luton Town and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

• Luton are unbeaten in their last five league games against Nottingham Forest (W2 D3), having lost five of six against them before this (W1).

• Nottingham Forest lost their most recent away league game against Luton 1-0 in April 2022. They also lost on their last top-flight visit to Kenilworth Road in April 1992 (1-2).

• Luton have scored in 13 of their 14 Premier League home games this season, failing only in a 1-0 loss against Tottenham in October. Only Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham (100%) have scored in a higher share of their home games this term than the Hatters (93%).

• Having scored in each of their first nine Premier League games under Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest have lost 1-0 in both of their last two. They last went three top-flight games without a goal in April 1999.

• Carlton Morris has scored in each of his past three Premier League home games for Luton. He has been involved in four (three goals, one assist) in his past four at Kenilworth Road, one more than in his first 10 at home in the competition (one goal, two assists).

• Chris Wood scored both of Nottingham Forest’s goals in their 2-2 draw with Luton in the reverse fixture. His next goal will be his 150th in English league football. Forest would be the fifth team he’s scored 10+ goals with in the top four tiers (Burnley 49, Leeds 41, Leicester 14, Millwall 11).

Nottingham Forest are in a tricky situation that’s for sure.

I think they’re waiting for this charge now and to see if any points will be deducted because it has affected them and it has hung over them.

I thought they would have picked up more results recently but have ended up in a bad run of form, so I think that tells you everything. Yes, you have to consider opponents, but I still think they’ve got it within them to turn around the results.

If you’re looking at it as a straight relegation battle between them and Luton, then I’m going to back Forest.

I think the result of this weekend will lean towards who stays up, but I don’t think it’s season defining.

If Forest were to win it then it would be very damning for Luton, but if Luton were to win it, then I don’t see it as season changing at this moment in time.

There’s 10 games to go but it’s a game Luton can’t afford to lose.

Rob Edwards has managed in adversity, so I feel like he’s capable of doing that and getting results because he digs out the team spirit. He’s been consistent with that all season.

It’s different for Nuno because he’s come in having been in different situations. The pressure is growing, the points deduction is hanging over you too, so I’m not sure he’s fully equipped for this even though he’s clearly a very talented football manager.

I wouldn’t say he’s a specialist in this position.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

We asked for your views on Bournemouth's 4-3 victory over Luton on Wedenesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Bournemouth fans

Fred: It was a great second-half performance and a good result on paper but our home form has to improve. Three-nil down to Luton at half-time is not good enough. Safe to say we've avoided any possibility of being dragged into the relegation battle but things need to improve for next season.

KC: This team is unreal!! To be three nil down and come back after half-time like that... wow. Couldn't be prouder.

Terry: At half-time that was the first time I have ever heard the fans boo the team. At the end, they were given a long standing ovation.

Luton fans

Nick: Sad to say, but if we insist on not defending, we will go down.

Christopher: I thought the performance tonight was utterly brilliant. It’s no surprise any team is going to struggle against Bournemouth at home and yet to go 3-0 up was fantastic. Now with so many injuries and so tired in second half the boys will have to ask themselves, “Can we do it?” But this is Luton. They never, ever give up. We can.

Justin: That's about as bad as it gets. I know we have a huge amount out injured but we should never throw a three goal lead away. Bournemouth worked out our weaknesses and went on the rampage. Nottingham Forest will be a tough watch on Saturday.

Luton boss Rob Edwards after his side were beaten 4-3 at Bournemouth in the Premier League:

"We went 3-0 up, then we gave them encouragement. They have brilliant quality, especially in one v one situations and we didn't defend those moments well enough. You can look at similarities, build up to the first goal, build up to the second goal, not winning first contact on set pieces, not winning duels...

"Similar situations for the third and fourth [goals] too, we have to learn to defend better in those key moments. Lots for us to look back at and dissect. We'll have to review it and look back.

"Of course I've got to take responsibility."

On being ruthless and comfortable in the first half: "We played really well but the warning signs were still there. They are a good team and there were still some things were were unhappy with at half time.

"We felt that we allowed the ball to come into our box too often and too easily in the first half, but you are right, there was some brilliant goals and brilliant play. We looked a real threat going forward.

"We gave them the encouragement, the crowd got up and we have to defend those situations a lot better."

On how Luton can bounce back: "It's going to hurt but we have to pick ourselves up. We have another huge game in a few days time and we've got no other option but to pick ourselves up and go again.

"It's still the same going into this next game and there is still a long way to go after Saturday as well. We are not out of this fight. We are three points behind the team above us and our job is to try and win the game on Saturday.

"We'll patch ourselves up and see where we are at numbers and bodies-wise at the weekend and we will go again."

Did you know?

• Luton have scored in each of their past 16 Premier League games – only Newcastle in 1993-94 (20) have had a longer such run for a promoted side in their debut season in the competition.

• Luton remain one of just two teams – along with Sheffield United – yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Emma Smith, BBC Sport

BBC 5 Live pundit Paul Robinson described Luton as many people's second team in the Premier League this season, given the amount of goodwill towards the club.

Their amazing rise to the Premier League, their battle against the financial odds, their attacking play, and of course Tom Lockyer's situation are all major factors.

Yet good wishes can only carry a side so far - points are the only thing that matter. And that was shown at its starkest in this match.

Luton, buoyed by Lockyer taking the adulation on-pitch pre-match, were coasting in the first-half - but were blown away by a resurgent Bournemouth in the second.

Two stats show the duality of Luton - they have scored in each of their last 16 Premier League games, a club record run.

But, the Hatters remain one of just two teams – along with Sheffield United – yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season.

Bournemouth denied Luton the chance to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone as they came from 3-0 down to win a seven-goal thriller at Vitality Stadium.

The Hatters were irresistible in the first half and were three ahead at half-time through goals from Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley.

But Bournemouth were much improved after the break, Dominic Solanke's brilliant goal sparking a comeback which was completed by Illia Zabarnyi's bundled finish and Antoine Semenyo's blistering double.

Luton had seemed destined for a huge win on an emotional night, with this game having been rearranged following the December fixture being abandoned when captain Tom Lockyer suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch.

But instead they remain winless in their past seven games, and three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest - who they host in the Premier League on Saturday.

Bournemouth remain 13th following their first home win in 2024.

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

Bournemouth 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

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