Luton Town

In the latest episode of Luton in the Prem, Luke Ashmead, Geoff Doyle and Simon Oxley preview the Hatters' upcoming Premier League encounter with Burnley.

Doyle believes a victory for the Hatters at Turf Moor would be a massive result, given they were defeated by the Clarets at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season.

"Rob Edwards downplayed it because managers do that but certainly it would be a great stimulus for Luton that they had gone and beaten one of the sides that were below them and moved further clear of them.

"The way that Burnley are playing - they have only won three Premier League games this season and are struggling to find a win. So it would be a big boost for Luton, but Burnley beat them earlier in the season at Kenilworth Road and also beat them late last season as well."

Oxley: "It would be a huge win for Luton but I think it would be more damaging to Burnley.

"You would feel that there would be a certain psychological effect on Burnley if Luton go there and pick up all three points.

"I don't know that it's a must-win for Luton, but I think it's a must-not-lose."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

If the art of good management is getting the best out of the resources at your disposal, then Rob Edwards is doing an outstanding job at Kenilworth Road.

Luton have made 'The Kenny' a tough place to go, with Edwards putting together a side that is full of energy and belief as well as skill. Ross Barkley has been rejuvenated while outstanding professional Andros Townsend has been a shrewd acquisition.

The Hatters go into the rest of the season with hope of Premier League survival and the chance to make fools of those of us who predicted a painful demise.

Current position: 18th.

McNulty's pre-season prediction: 20th.

What McNulty said in August: "It is difficult to see Luton surviving but I would take great pleasure in being proved wrong."

Image source, Reuters

Manager Rob Edwards says Ross Barkley's recent form has been "brilliant" for Luton Town and some of the midfielder's performances "you would pay to watch".

After struggling to hit top form during his time at Chelsea and then spending a year playing in France for Nice, Barkley has shone on his return to the Premier League with the Hatters.

Edwards was asked about the prospect of Barkley potentially adding to his 33 England caps, more than four years after his most recent international appearance.

The Luton boss said: "I've got to concentrate on the here and now with Luton and that's what Ross has got to do as well. I understand the talk because he's played so many times for his country before.

"It's been a good period but Ross will be the first to say as well that he has to keep doing it and keep that consistency in his football. And then you never know.

"We certainly love him and what's he doing for us at the moment is brilliant. The fans love him. Some of his performances you would pay to watch and that's been great because it is an entertainment business and we want to try to be entertaining while winning football matches. It is difficult all of the time, but players like Ross help."

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before the Hatters' Premier League match against Burnley on Friday.

Here are the main headlines from his news conference:

• Striker Carlton Morris is "in contention" to face Burnley after suffering with cramp in the FA Cup tie against Bolton last weekend.

• On potential January transfers: "Tom Lockyer and Marvelous Nakamba are out for an indefinite period, but other than that we're in pretty good shape. If we can strengthen and bring someone who helps us and makes us better, of course we'll look at that. But they've got to be the right person and they have to fit into what we do. And that's difficult in January."

• Edwards added: "If it's one [new signing] or if it's stay as we are, I'd genuinely be happy. I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two little bits of change, but it's important to stress that I don't want too much. I want to come out of the window stronger but keeping a lot of what we've got is important to me."

• On the form of Ross Barkley and talk of a potential England recall for the midfielder, Edwards said: "I've got to focus on the here and now with Luton and that's what Ross has got to do as well. I understand the talk because he's played so many times for his country before. It's been a good period but Ross will be the first to say as well that he needs to keep doing it and keep the consistency in his football."

• On Friday's opponents Burnley: "I don't think there's one way of playing football. I love what Vincent Kompany has done at that football club with his staff. They've played really well in a lot of games, I just think it's difficult to win matches and get points in this league. It's a really difficult game for us, they have got better from last year."

• Asked if there is any added pressure playing another team battling against relegation, Edwards said: "We experienced one with Sheffield United not that long ago. We try to make it as normal as possible. Everyone knows it's a big game, but because every game is an opportunity for us and we try to treat every one on its merits and we plan in the same way. We try to keep it level."

Follow Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

Five seasons ago, Luton Town wing-back Alfie Doughty was playing in the Isthmian League for Kingstonian on loan from Charlton. The season after that he had a spell with Bromley in the National League.

He was a teenager then but his talent was noted and soon enough he was playing in the Championship with the Addicks, then Stoke and Cardiff.

Luton had spotted his potential early on at Charlton and, after a failed attempt, they eventually landed him for last season's championship promotion-winning season. Manager at the time Nathan Jones declared he was "nowhere near his ceiling".

And the Welshman has been proved correct. Doughty has taken his first season in the Premier League by storm.

The 24-year-old has five assists which puts him alongside the likes of Leon Bailey, Jeremy Doku and Anthony Gordon. Only Kieran Trippier has delivered more crosses than Doughty and he is one of the division's most regular corner takers too.

He’s played the most minutes of any of Luton's outfield players and had the most touches. His influence in the team grows as the season progresses.

Such is his versality and the trust manager Rob Edwards has in him he has been used on the right side when Issa Kabore has not been available. He has kept Mohamed Salah and Miguel Almiron quiet recently and it has left some Luton fans wondering whether he deserves an England call-up.

There's no doubting Doughty has been the driving force behind the Hatters this season with his marauding runs down the left. Burnley right-back Vitinho will have to be prepared for their Premier League match on Friday night at Turf Moor.

Commentary of Burnley v Luton on BBC Three Counties Radio on Friday from 7pm.

• Burnley are unbeaten in their past seven league games against Luton Town (W4 D3) and are looking to complete their first league double over them since the 1994-95 second-tier campaign.

• There have been three Premier League games between the promoted sides (Burnley, Luton, Sheffield United) this season, in which a combined 13 goals have been scored. The average of 4.3 goals-per-game is the highest in matches between promoted clubs in a Premier League season.

• The Clarets have lost nine of their 10 Premier League home games this season, becoming the first side in English top-flight history to do so.

• No side has scored more Premier League goals from outside the box this season than Burnley's seven. They make up 35% of their total goal tally, the highest ratio in the competition. However, the Clarets have the lowest shot conversion rate inside the box in the top flight this season.

• Only James Ward-Prowse of West Ham has created more chances (25) and assists (five) from set-pieces in the Premier League this season than Luton's Alfie Doughty (22 chances, four assists).

Ollie Kay, We Are Luton Town, external

It’s a bit odd being in the Premier League.

There's all the talk of fixture congestion and we have only kicked a ball for the first time seven days into the new year. Luton Town fans have become conditioned to expect football on New Year’s Day.

Regardless of my impatient wait for football in 2024 our FA Cup third-round tie with Bolton was special, primarily because it's the first time we have played the Trotters in 27 years, which is mind-boggling considering the way Luton have climbed through all the divisions.

This last meeting in 1997 was also in the FA Cup third round and also went to a replay. However, this time we will not be going back to Burnden Park and hopefully this one won't end in a 6-2 defeat for the Hatters!

Another piece of feel good news around Luton Town this week is the fundraising for a crowd surfing banner to show support for our club captain Tom Lockyer, with the target of £600 greatly surpassed.

The fundraising closed with over £3,000 generously donated by Luton Town fans in just two days, which has allowed us to investigate procuring two AEDs in addition to the banner, and these could genuinely save lives.

I want to thank everyone who donated, because the hearts of the Luton fans and community are beating as one for a cause that has impacted all of us.

Image source, Getty Images

Find out who your team has been drawn against in the FA Cup fourth round with the full list of ties below.

• Watford v Southampton

• Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham

• Bournemouth v Swansea City

• West Brom v Brentford/Wolves

• West Ham/Bristol City v Nottingham Forest/Blackpool

• Leicester City v Hull City/ Birmingham City

• Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry City

• Chelsea v Aston Villa

• Ipswich Town v Maidstone United

• Liverpool v Norwich City/Bristol Rovers

• Tottenham v Man City

• Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle

• Crystal Palace/Everton v Luton Town/Bolton

• Newport County/Eastleigh v Wigan/Man Utd

• Sheff Utd v Brighton

• Fulham v Newcastle United

The matches will take place over the weekend of 27-28 January.

Watch all the goals from the third round

Watch highlights and analysis from Sunday's FA Cup third round fixtures.

If you missed Sunday's action, catch up here on BBC iPlayer.

You can also watch the best bits of Saturday's FA Cup matches here.

Luton manager Rob Edwards speaking after the game: "Disappointed not to win the game. It was pretty much one-way traffic in that second half, but we’ve hit the woodwork, we’ve huffed and puffed and had a nailed on penalty.

"I don't see the point of VAR if it's not going to overturn that decision. That's really frustrating. I never blame that, but that was a mistake.

"The players performed well, we just couldn’t find that goal to get us over the line. Credit to Bolton, they've done well but we should've won the game."

On the penalty which wasn't given: "I will go and have a word to ask the question. I am disappointed [the referee didn't get to have a second look], I think he should have."

On the missed chances: "I still believed that we could do it. The next action [after Alfie Doughty hitting the inside of the post] was the penalty, the 'non-penalty'. We believed right to the very end that we could find a way to win but today it wasn't to be. [Now] our schedule changes a little bit and we have to go and do it in the replay.

"We play Burnley now on Friday rather than Monday, so our week looks different. We were prepared for it, we were ready, we hoped it wouldn't be the case but we haven't got through today, so we've got to do it another way."

On the importance of the FA Cup: "We completely valued this game today. It was important to try and get through. Respect to Bolton because they are a very good team, they are riding high and confident.

"I love this competition and I want to do well in it as well, so we went for it. We wanted to win the game, no doubt about it."

Did you know?

• Luton have failed to win four of their last six FA Cup home matches against teams from a lower division (W2 D4).

By Sam Drury, BBC Sport

It is clear that the FA Cup is not Luton's priority this season but there will be understandable frustration at being taken to a replay by a side two divisions below them.

Bolton are flying high in League One but even after a relatively even first-half, Rob Edwards' side had ample opportunities in the second to win the game.

Alfie Doughty was unfortunate with a effort that came back off the post - and Edwards was adamant the wing-back should have had a penalty for a trip by Bolton's Will Forrester when the ball came back to him - but, ultimately, the hosts were not clinical enough in front of goal.

Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo should both have done better with headed chances but a lack of ruthlessness when they had Bolton on the ropes means a trip to the north-west next midweek and a shortened winter break.

As much as Luton would have wanted to progress, it is that extra game and the timing of it that might most irk Edwards and his team.

Luton were left frustrated as League One promotion-chasers Bolton earned a replay in the FA Cup third round with a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.

After an even first half, in which chances were at a premium, the Premier League side dominated much of the second 45 minutes but were unable to find a goal.

Captain Carlton Morris had Luton's best chance, but his header was too close to Bolton goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, before Alfie Doughty struck the post with a fierce left-footed strike late on.

While a home goal always seemed more likely, the visitors threatened in the closing stages and almost snatched a winner when Luton keeper Tim Krul mistimed a punch and sent the ball backwards and only just over his own crossbar.

Luton had a chance in the final seconds after Baxter came for a cross and failed to gather, but Bolton's defenders came to his aid to crowd out Chiedozie Ogbene and secure a rematch back at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Ian Evatt's side acquitted themselves well, particularly in the first half, with Paris Maghma firing their best effort just over the bar after Ross Barkley had been dispossessed in midfield.

Luton struggled to muster much better before the break as Albert Sambi Lokonga fizzed a shot just wide, while a pair of long-range efforts from Barkley were easily saved.

Were you at Kenilworth Road or following the match from elsewhere?

How did you rate the performance of your team, Luton fans?

Follow all the reaction here

There is less than an hour to go before Luton Town host Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the FA Cup.

Follow all the action live here

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra match commentary

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 ties in the FA Cup third round and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.

For this weekend's matches he is up against singer-songwriter and Liverpool fan Banners.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

I'd like everyone to remember how difficult it is to know whether anyone will put out their strongest side in these ties, not just the top-flight clubs.

I am not sure how Luton boss Rob Edwards will approach this game because his side have got a sniff of staying up after picking a couple of wins over Christmas, but Bolton could well rotate their squad too, because they are flying at the top of League One.

Banners' prediction: 1-1 (Luton to win replay)

Get the full list of predictions

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round will take place on Monday, 8 January before the third-round tie between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, which is being televised by ITV.

The 16 fourth-round games will be scheduled across the weekend of Saturday, 27 January.

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before his side's FA Cup third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Edwards doesn't have many fond memories of the FA Cup as a player: "Unfortunately I've never really had the cup run, so it's on the to-do list." The Hatters boss added that he believes the Hatters have enough squad depth to cope with a cup run this season.

• In terms of injuries, the game comes "too soon" for defenders Dan Potts and Reece Burke, who are both back in full training but not up to match fitness just yet.

• Luton aren't looking to rest any players for the game, with Edwards stating: "It's the most important game for us right now, so I'll pick the team with that in mind really. I think we've got around 16 to 18 outfield players that can start and are genuine starters for us."

• On opponents Bolton Wanderers, who are pushing for promotion from League One: "They are capable of an upset. I know Ian Evatt [Bolton manager] really well, he's a former team-mate of mine. He's done a brilliant job, he's been building that club for a number of years, he's deserved that time."

• He added: "They came close to promotion again last year. So they are a really dangerous team, a confident team, they are in good form. It will be a very, very difficult game."

• The club is "delighted" to be able to make Andros Townsend's contract more long-term, with Edwards saying: "He's got some determination. He's very driven, he's really focused, he's worked tirelessly on himself to make sure he's in the best condition possible to perform really well."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Three Counties Radio's Luke Ashmead and Simon Oxley are hoping Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley will join Andros Townsend in committing his long-term future to the club.

The former Chelsea man has quickly become a key part of Rob Edwards' side since his arrival on a free transfer in the summer but it is unclear if he will remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

"There were no details at the time about what kind of deal he had signed," Ashmead said. "With the best will in the world Ross Barkley - the way he's played - would be unlikely to be playing Championship football [should Luton be relegated this season].

"He continues to be outstanding. He's just annoyingly good. It's like going back to the playground where there was one kid who could dribble it round everybody."

Oxley added: "It's the way he holds his balance, his shape, his awareness of where he is. He's just so good."

Listen to Luton In The Prem on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest instalment of Luton in the Prem from BBC Three Counties Radio, Luke Ashmead and Simon Oxley discuss what the Hatters need from the January transfer window.

Oxley said: "Goalkeeper - not a problem. Centre-half you've got (Teden) Mengi, (Gabriel) Osho, (Amari'i) Bell, (Reece) Burke on the way back but not yet, and Mads Anderson of course. There is cover but on the basis that Tom Lockyer isn't going to be there for most if not all of the season, then you might be looking at something there.

"Possibly right wing-back as well because (Issa) Kabore is going to be away anyway with Afcon and, although (Alfie) Doughty and (Chiedozie) Ogbene and play there and Giles comes in on the left, it's a possible but not an imperative.

"Central midfield is where you're probably looking on the basis (Marvelous) Nakamba will be out for a couple of months and (Albert Sambi) Lokonga has been out at times. Is Ross Barkley going to be fit for the whole season? Lots of talk about Oscar Zambrado, the young midfielder from Ecuador. He's very highly regarded and they've been linked with him before.

"They are not on seven or eight points, they're on 15. On the basis that they're within touching distance, is it worth a look? Not silly money but still."

Ashmead added: "It's such a balance between giving it a go which Luton are doing anyway, but also having to prepare for two different divisions."

Listen to Luton in the Prem on BBC Sounds

• Luton are without a win in their past six meetings with Bolton in all competitions (D2 L4). This is the first game between the sides since Bolton's 6-2 home win in the FA Cup in January 1997.

• Bolton have won four of their five FA Cup ties against Luton Town, with the only exception being a 1-0 defeat in February 1973.

• After losing five consecutive FA Cup third round ties between 2014-15 and 2019-20, Luton have reached at least the fourth round of the competition in each of the past three seasons.

• Bolton are looking to reach the FA Cup fourth round for the first time since 2018-19. However, they are without a win in seven FA Cup games against Premier League opponents (D2 L5).

• Jon Bodvarsson has scored seven goals in his past eight FA Cup appearances for Bolton, including a hat-trick in the competition's second round this season.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra match commentary of Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers at 14:00 GMT on Sunday

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

Luton have a break from the Premier League and they deserve one for what they’ve been through in December. Time to take stock and refocus to give it another good go in the coming five months.

It was great to hear the positive news from Tom Lockyer and he can now cheer the boys on like every other Luton fan.

The defeat by Chelsea last time out gave us an idea of how far the Hatters have progressed this season. In the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in August - which was Luton’s second Premier League match - Chelsea were comfortable as Rob Edwards' side gamely tried to restrict the Blues.

The loss last week was light years away from that. Braver and on the front foot, playing through the thirds, players linking between the lines, marauding midfield runs, overlaps, underlaps, one/two-touch stuff, getting into great wide positions, sustained periods of possession. Luton have come on a bomb.

It’s an indication of how much the team has evolved under Edwards and it’s so impressive. Hatters fans are enjoying the best football at Kenilworth Road for over 30 years.

Halfway through the season, Luton still have a right chance of staying up and the next step of the evolution is to turn these increasingly better performances into points.

Whether they use the January transfer window will be interesting. The players are performing so well that it's going to cost a lot of money to get ones who are better. And there seems little point spending millions when you cannot guarantee it will ensure survival.

Luton need to try to be cute again - which they are very good at - and see if they can find a right wing-back and a defensive midfielder and cultivate them like they have done with Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend.

A couple of new additions would suffice - and then this improving fight for survival continues.