Luton find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being favourites in a Premier League match tomorrow – and boss Rob Edwards says his players have to deal with the expectation.
Luton host Sheffield United at Kenilworth Road on the back of a run of just one defeat in nine games in all competitions.
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The Hatters have pulled themselves out of the relegation zone and have an excellent chance of putting some distance between themselves and the bottom three when they take on a Sheffield United side that have won just two of their 23 league games this season.
That brings an added element of expectation which Edwards hopes the players can handle.
He said: “We’ve got to be able to deal with that. I wouldn’t say we’re big favourites but we’re going in in good form and confident.
“There’s no game that’s easy, if we step off it then we can get punished. We want to win, we know it’s a really big game but they all are.
“We go into this game expecting a really difficult game and battle. Both teams fighting for their lives so it will be tight.”
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) February 9, 2024
Key to Luton’s improved form has been midfielder Ross Barkley, who has been linked with an England call-up.
Edwards added of the former Everton and Chelsea man: “I’m just happy that he’s performing well and that’s all anyone hoping to be picked for the national team can do. We’re delighted with him, we love him and he’s playing really well.
“He’s got a home, he’s got a group of players and mates, staff and club that support him and allow him to be himself.
“We said when we brought him in he’s hungry, yes he’d had a couple of difficult years but he’s shown how good he is.”
