Luton Town

Luton scored a controversial 92nd-minute equaliser to deny Burnley a crucial win in a game of huge significance at the bottom of the Premier League.

Burnley looked set to claim a rare victory after a dogged defensive performance following Switzerland forward Zeki Amdouni's 36th-minute deflected finish at a raucous Turf Moor.

But Carlton Morris headed the Hatters level in the closing moments.

There was a lengthy check by the video assistant referee (VAR) after Elijah Adebayo appeared to nudge keeper James Trafford as Morris scored.

But the goal was allowed to stand much to the anger of the home fans.

The result leaves Burnley, who have played one more game than the teams around them, in deep trouble, four points from safety.

Luton remain in the relegation zone but are now level on 16 points with 17th-placed Everton.

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Burnley are hosting Luton Town at Turf Moor in the Premier League, with kick-off at Turf Moor less than an hour away.

Get all the build-up followed by live text updates here

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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 and look back at the 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup Third Round.

Doyle is surprised that Ryan Giles, Luton's record signing, did not play against Bolton on Sunday, after not featuring regularly for the Hatters in the league either.

"He is not getting in the Premier League side and we know why," he said.

"Because Alfie Doughty is playing extraordinarily well and even when Doughty is moved across to the right, Giles hasn't got in. Jacob Brown, for instance or Ogbene [has played instead].

"He was a big signing in the summer and he probably thought 'Premier League, here I come'. But if he is not getting into the FA Cup team, what team is he getting in? Maybe the manager doesn't think he is ready yet for the Premier League. I am sure he will be and he is still a young player who has maybe not developed as much as he liked, so what is his future?

"I only picked on Giles because of the money involved. You could add Luke Berry to that, you could add Cauley Woodrow to that and Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu to that. But what was interesting with Rob [Edwards] when we spoke to him in the press conference is that he doesn't want to shake it up too much."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Reuters

Luton manager Rob Edwards says Burnley "can - and have - hurt bigger and better teams" than the Hatters this season and are a difficult opponent for his side, despite Vincent Kompany's team being lower in the table.

The two clubs were promoted from the Championship together at the end of last season - Burnley as champions and Luton via the play-offs.

The Clarets won 2-1 at Kenilworth Road in October but go into Friday's match four points behind their visitors, who will climb out of the relegation zone if they win at Turf Moor.

"We see every game as an opportunity to get three points and this is the next one," said Edwards. "If we do, then great, we can jump up a little bit for a few hours at least, but there's a long way to go this season.

"It's a good challenge for us. This is a really difficult game and we've got to look to perform well in it because otherwise we've got no chance. Burnley have been close in a lot of games.

"We concentrate on the performance and hopefully the result will look after itself. I think they [the players] are ready to show people that we can compete against anyone."

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

For part one of week 21 - due to the Premier League's winter break - he takes on singer-songwriter and Tottenham fan Declan McKenna.

The first game for the duo to predict is Burnley v Luton, who lock horns on Friday evening (19:45 GMT).

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

This is a difficult one to kick off with.

Burnley beat Luton at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season but they have a terrible home record with just three points picked up from a possible 30 so far.

It's a huge game for Vincent Kompany's side because they are four points behind the Hatters, who are also in the bottom three.

Win it, and they not only beat the team immediately above them, it could also be seen as the launchpad for the improvement they will surely need at Turf Moor if they are going to stay up.

It's not a must-win game in terms of the points that are up for grabs, but feels like it because of the belief that a victory would give them.

I just do not see it happening for them on Friday, though. For starters, the Clarets do not score enough goals - they have managed only 20 in their first 20 games - and Luton appear to be far more streetwise.

By that, I mean Luton seem to know how to get a result even when their performance probably doesn't merit one.

Declan's prediction: 2-2

I'm thinking this will be a heated contest.

I'm inclined to fancy Luton but Turf Moor will make it tough for them.

Read the full predictions

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