Luton Town

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Luton Town winger Andros Townsend has signed a new contract with the club.

The 32-year-old signed on a short-term deal with the Hatters in October having not played a competitive match since March 2022 while still with Everton.

He has featured 11 times in the league since joining, scoring one goal and making two assists.

The former Tottenham player has brought valuable Premier League experience to the promoted side and the new deal will see him stay with the club for the "foreseeable future".

On signing the new contract, Townsend said: "Obviously I'm delighted - three months ago I thought my career was over. So from going to begging around the world just for a trial to being offered a longer contract is a dream come true.

"It's a special, special football club. I think we can really achieve something special this season. It's only halfway done. We've got six months - 19 games - to pull off the unthinkable."

Manager Rob Edwards added: "It's an amazing signing for us. Andros has come into the group with real humility and professionalism. He's shown the whole group what it means to be elite and a top-end pro.

"His fitness levels have been insane, and he's shown more and more his qualities with every game. For us to be able to tie him down to a longer-term contract is a credit to him. He's been through a tough time and it says a lot about him as a person.

"I also think it says a lot about the ambitions of this football club that we're signing people like Andros, with his level and quality.

"It's a big, big signing for us."

Ian Robertson, We Are Luton Town, external

Last time, we discussed the profound impact a week can have, and as we enter a new year, it feels fitting to reflect on the transformation that 2023 brought to Luton Town Football Club.

This time last year, we had just entered the Championship play-off places on goal difference following an impressive victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Now, we find ourselves just one point away from safety in the Premier League, accompanied by a significant increase in wealth totalling a couple of hundred million pounds.

While being in the Premier League is a dream we're all living, the financial income made in 2023 will ensure the football club's stability for many years to come - undoubtedly the most significant win of the past 12 months.

The manner in which we finished the match against Chelsea is indicative of the team we've evolved into. While we have always been hardworking and attacking in our style, we've now grown to be more dynamic and brave.

Significant credit goes to Rob Edwards and the recruitment team for their additions to an already successful team.

Who knows where we will be in a year's time, but we have one hell of a chance.

We asked you what transfer business you want to see Luton Town do in January.

Here are some of your answers:

Sue: Keep it as it is. A happy team makes a solid team; too many changes make teams unstable. Give the players who have shown such pride, skill and passion so far this season the chance to see the campaign through. Mick Harford and Rob Edwards have found some real diamonds - let them continue to shine.

Graham: Can we get Jadon Sancho on loan? A tight-knit team that nurtures him could revive his very obvious talent.

Sam: Andros Townsend is the most important target for the club this January. His work-rate and stamina are simply unmatched - he’s a must keep for at least the rest of the season. Extending his contract should be our top priority. Oscar Zambrano could be a good addition, especially with Marvelous Nakamba out. Another centre-back would be ideal.

Dan: Need a central midfielder as Nakamba is injured and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is off to Afcon. I worry we are now too reliant on Ross Barkley and Albert Sami Lokonga. We also need a right wing-back because we lack cover there with Issa Kabore off to Afcon too. I prefer Alfie Doughty on the left. I'd let Dan Potts, Luke Berry and Cauley Woodrow go to free up spaces in squad.

Chas: The January window opening, but I think we should just close it again - no-one in, no-one out. I don’t think bringing in a new striker or defender will help, and in Barkley and Lokonga we have a good midfield. The main thing would be to not lose any of our current main squad as that could upset the dynamics.

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Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has released a statement thanking the club, Hatters fans, and the wider football community for their support and saying he will meet specialists in the new year to decide his footballing future.

Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during Luton's match against Bournemouth on 16 December.

Speaking via Instagram, external he said: "I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth.

"The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.

"While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me. The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the past three games has given me a much-needed lift.

"I will be doing whatever I can, in whichever ways are possible, to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.

"I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine. Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.

"Finally, I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they’ve given my family during this time."

With the transfer window about to open again, we want to know what business you think Luton Town need to do.

Who should they buy? Who should they sell? And who should they keep?

Have your say here

We asked you for your thoughts after Luton Town hosted Chelsea in the Premier League.

Here are some of the top comments:

Luton fans

Dan: Amazing effort from the lads to get back into it after going 3-0 down. Really disappointed with their first goal though - Kabore was onside and the linesman yards behind play when he blew for offside. Chelsea scored shortly after the resulting free-kick and that gave them the impetus. Really proud of this team. Come on you Hatters!

Sue: I just watched a team that always give 100% against a team that are 10 places above them, and in the second half we played as if we were in the top half. Strange decisions again from the officials. We still believe and will still play our way.

Mac: Up until the subs at half-time, we tried to reinvent the way we play and it wasn't until we reverted back to a more direct approach that we started causing problems. Great heart from the lads and with this kind of fight, l am confident we will stay up!

Captain Pugwash: Played well, hit the bar twice, goal disallowed. Really must cut out the defensive mistakes and pass better for ball retention.

Chelsea fans

Matt: That match epitomised our season so far. We played some brilliant football at times and you think we’ve finally clicked into place and then suddenly I’ve got my head in my hands wondering how we’ve almost thrown it all away.

Andrew: Good teams are built on a solid defence, something we still don’t have. There is talent here but it is still some way from being a team.

David: Cole Palmer is our best player. Others are starting to look a bit better but we can't defend.

Phil: I still cannot fathom what Pochettino is telling the players. At 3-0 up, why not go for goal difference rather than sit back and play into their hands, just like the second half against Palace? Totally relying on individual skill to carry us through.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six 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 on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 3-2 Burnley

• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards speaking to BBC Sport: "There is a little bit of comfort when we come back like that. What we can guarantee is that we will leave it all out there.

"That was an incredible performance out there today and I'm immensely proud of the football club today.

"It was difficult. Chelsea defended well. We tried to do the right thing but they are a very good team. We changed the dynamic at half-time, made some brave attacking substitutions.

"I really liked us today. We had big spells in that game and created a load of chances against a top team."

"[We just had to] keep believing, keep going, that is all we can do at that stage [at 3-0 down]. They were scrambling. We just couldn't quite get the ball over the line.

"We have been playing well consistently for a while now. We have changed the narrative a little bit around ourselves.

"You can see the growth and evolution in the team. I believe in this group."

• Chelsea have won their last five games against Luton in all competitions, their joint-longest such run against the Hatters, after a five-game run in December 1974.

• Luton have lost three of last four home games in the Premier League (W1), conceding three or more at Kenilworth Road for just the second time in the competition (also lost 4-3 to Arsenal).

• Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has both scored and assisted in four different Premier League games this season, more than any other player. Only two players have ever scored and assisted in more Premier League games in a single season for the Blues than Palmer - Mason Mount (6 in 2021-22) and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink (5 in 2000-01).

• Cole Palmer became the fifth Chelsea player to reach double figures for goal involvements (8G 4A) in a single Premier League season while aged 21 or under, after Arjen Robben (2004-05), Eden Hazard (2012-13), Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount (both 2019-20).

• Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino remains unbeaten in Premier League away games against promoted sides (P21 W19 D2), winning each of his last five.

• Luton’s Ross Barkley scored his first Premier League goal against Chelsea, in his 10th appearance against the Blues. He is the 28th player to score against Chelsea in the competition having previously played for them, three more than any other side.

Chelsea survived a late fightback from Luton to claim an important win in a thrilling game at Kenilworth Road.

The Blues started the match brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute, a poor clearance from Luton's Issa Kabore handing the ball to Cole Palmer for the forward to drill low into the far corner past Thomas Kaminski.

Palmer was in the mix again as Chelsea doubled their lead when his pass set up Noni Madueke, who dribbled past Amari'i Bell and smashed the ball into the top corner.

Good work from Nicolas Jackson set up Palmer, who stayed calm to score the Blues' third in the second half.

Luton thought they had pulled a goal back through Elijah Adebayo, but his header was ruled out for offside in the build-up before Ross Barkley then scored a header from Alfie Doughty's corner.

Adebayo managed to find the net in the 87th minute with Luton's second, setting up a nervous final few minutes for the visitors, but Chelsea were able to hold on to take the points.

The victory marks Chelsea's second win in the space of a week as they look to climb up the Premier League table after a challenging 2023.

Were you at Kenilworth Road watching the action, or did you take in the game from home?

Luton fans - submit your post-match thoughts here.

How did you rate the Blues' performance, Chelsea fans?

Follow all the reaction here

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

Follow all the incidents and reaction here.

All times are GMT.

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

For the fixtures taking place over the turn of the year, from 30 December to 2 January, he takes on Shed Seven singer and song-writer Rick Witter, who is a Manchester United fan.

Shed Seven's new album, A Matter of Time', is released on 12 January.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Luton are in the relegation zone but they have an identity and a cause, and they always look like they are excited about playing in the Premier League. I am not sure you can say the same about Chelsea, for all the money they spent in the summer transfer window.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino named the club's youngest-ever Premier League team in Wednesday's win over Crystal Palace, which came courtesy of a debatable late penalty. I'm not sure they deserved it, but at least it meant I got one of my predictions right about them for a change.

I favour Chelsea more than Luton here, because I don't think Luton can keep their intensity going after such a busy Christmas period - but I am going to go with a draw.

Rick's prediction: Luton have given a few teams a scare at Kenilworth Road but I am basing this on the fact Chelsea really need a win. It will be close though - I think it will be 1-1 for a while, then Chelsea will get a couple of late goals. 1-3

Read all of Sutton's predictions here

Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton's Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• The Hatters boss confirmed that Issa Kabore and Jordan Clark will both be available but that Marvelous Nakamba faces a spell on the sidelines after an operation on his meniscus.

• On the midfielder's injury, Edwards said: "It was an innocuous one, it came when he made a pass in training. We won't put a time frame on it, but it's not good and it will be some significant time. He'll see a specialist in a few weeks' time. It's frustrating for him and of course for us as he's a big, big player."

• Edwards confirmed the club are in discussions with Andros Townsend about extending the winger's contract.

• Asked about captain Tom Lockyer, who continues his recovery at home, he said: "I speak to him every day. He is progressing. He seems bored already, but in generally good spirits, which is really good."

• On how the team have reacted since the incident, he said: "I think we were tight already, I don't think it is because of what has happened that we've won two games of football. Performances have been good before that but they're an incredibly tight group - they're like a family."

• Edwards added: "Obviously one of the family had a really tough time a couple of weeks ago, so we all have to rally round each other, support each other and help. If that has brought us tighter, then good but the main thing is Tom in all of this."

• After Carlton Morris was subjected to alleged racism by a spectator against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Edwards said the striker "is OK" but added: "It happens so regularly he just said, 'it's like water off a duck's back'. I think that's really sad. I can't put myself into his position on this

  situation, but he's dealt with it very well."

• On facing Chelsea, he said: "We'll expect the best Chelsea as we expect the best of every team. We'll try to perform as well as we can and try to play to our strengths. We know at home we can be a match for anyone."

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Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has told his players to expect "real football" when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town on Saturday.

The Blues are without a win on the road since beating Tottenham Hotspur in November, whereas the Hatters go into the game following their first back-to-back victories of the season.

Pochettino has warned his team to expect a fight and that the fixture appeals to the football fan within him.

"I'm an old man, I am romantic. I love football of the past and this kind of stadium makes you remember when I started to play," he said.

"It's a stadium that smells different. It's not luxury in the way that we recognise luxury today. This type of stadium is one where you love to be there. It's history, it's completely different.

"Today we are living in a different era, but when you go there, you feel real football.

"We need to go to Luton thinking that it's going to be really tough. The stadium, the fans, it's a team that loves to fight and work really hard.

"If we want to get a good result, we need to be ready of course to play football, but we need to match the desire, the capacity to fight for every single ball. It's going to be a good test for us."

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Luton Town winger Andros Townsend says he is "having fun" on the pitch again after signing a short-term deal with the Hatters in the summer following a failed move to Burnley.

The former England winger expects his time with Luton will be extended beyond next month too.

"I've always loved my football but it's only when you have something taken away from you that you really appreciate every single moment," Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"If I give the ball away or if I hit the ball over the roof, which I did last week, I'm just having fun with it. I'm fit and healthy. I'm on the pitch. I'm back doing what I love and I'm contributing again. So, whatever happens [in January], I'm just enjoying it.

"There are talks going on in the background. If I was injured or not playing then I would be getting a bit twitchy right now. But I've started the majority of games, so I'm 99 per cent sure something will get sorted in terms of a longer deal."

The Hatters will be hoping to lift themselves out of the relegation zone with a third successive league win, against Chelsea, on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Townsend says "back-to-back wins are never easy in the Premier League" but the team "have their tails up" after recent results and are ready for another big game this weekend.

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds

• Luton won their last home league game against Chelsea, beating them 2-0 in December 1991. However, they lost the last time they hosted the Blues - a 3-2 FA Cup defeat in March 2022.

• The home side has won eight of the last 10 league meetings between Luton and Chelsea, with the exceptions being a 3-0 away win for Chelsea in December 1989, and a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge in April 1991.

• In each of Luton’s last three top-flight campaigns before this season, their final game of the calendar year was at home against Chelsea. They lost 3-0 in 1989, before 2-0 wins in both 1990 and 1991.

• Chelsea haven’t lost their final league game in any of the last 11 calendar years (W7 D4), since a 3-1 home loss against Aston Villa in 2011.

• Luton have won their last two Premier League games, as many as in their first 16 this season. They last won three consecutive top-flight matches in December 1991, the third game of which was against Chelsea.

• Chelsea have lost each of their last four Premier League away games, their longest losing run on the road since a run of five between October and December 2000 under Claudio Ranieri.