C PALACE v LUTON Edwards: This is not a ‘must-win’

LUTON boss Rob Edwards (below) is refusing to label the trip to Crystal Palace as a ‘must-win’ game — but concedes his side are entering a critical period in the Premier League survival race.

The Hatters are in the relegation zone but are just four points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th and have a game in hand.

Victory today would inject fresh impetus into Luton’s hopes of staying up but it is not a game where Edwards believes the season could be lost.

“It’s not a ‘must-win’ as if we don’t it doesn’t relegate us,” he said.

“However, we do recognise the importance of the game and the players are on board with that.

“It’s the first of 12 huge games coming up for us.”

One of Luton’s five league wins this season came in the reverse fixture at Kenilworth Road but since then Palace have changed manager, replacing Roy Hodgson with Oliver Glasner as they also attempt to battle free from the threat of relegation.

“They have a new manager. It’s nice we got three points last time around, but it’s different to refer back to it,” added Edwards.

Different

“It’s a different day, different circumstances, we will go into it and do our best.” Bournemouth and Forest are next up for Luton, presenting Edwards and his players with a good opportunity to pick up points.

“Clearly it’s important we can take something from these three games, it can give us some real belief and confidence,” he said.

“We don’t have a target — we want to try and win them all and nine points would be great — but we know how difficult it is to win matches in the Premier League.”