Match Previews

Match Preview | Aston Villa vs Luton Town

Luton Town have another trip to the Midlands this Sunday as we face Aston Villa in the Premier League.

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Rob Edwards’ side made a remarkable comeback last weekend when they came from two goals down to draw at Nottingham Forest in the final ten minutes.

Unai Emery’s Villa are one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League right now, they are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions.

The opposition

Since the departure of Steven Gerrard and the arrival of Emery last year, Villa have vastly improved under their new management.

Gerrard and Villa went their separate ways with the club sat just above the relegation zone, Emery’s Villa now currently sit in fifth place.

Villa Park has been a fortress for the home side, they have won their last 11 consecutive Premier League home games.

This is the first top-flight fixture between these two sides since April 1992, which the Hatters won 2-0 at Kenilworth Road.

Rob says

On facing Unai Emery’s Villa: “They’re an excellent team. They’ve averaged about two points per game since he’s given them European football. They’re up there in the table again and scoring lots of goals. It will be a difficult game, especially as it’s away at Villa Park. But it’s one for us to enjoy, it’s a game we certainly feel we can get something from.”

On returning to Villa Park: “It was a long time ago but it was a big part of my childhood. I was there from 10 years of age, I made my Premier League debut when I had just turned 20. It’s a special club for me, I had 11 years of my life there. Making my debut and playing in the youth team – they are the best times of your life. It’s a special club, a big club – but I don’t care, I want to win there now.”

Watch the manager's press conference on Hatters Player and click here to view our interview with Rob.

Last meeting

League Two Luton Town shocked Championship Aston Villa in the first round of the League Cup back in August 2016.

Jordan Ayew’s opener was cancelled out by the home side, with goals from Jake Gray, Cameron McGeehan and an own goal from Jores Okore.

Last time out

The Hatters came from two goals behind to take a point from the City Ground against Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Chieo Ogbene and Elijah Adebayo scored in the final ten minutes of the game after Chris Wood’s second half double.

Team news

Defender Reece Burke is unlikely to feature in the squad for Sunday’s game after coming off injured in last weekend’s draw at Nottingham Forest.

Amari’i Bell, Jordan Clark, Mads Andersen, Sambi Lokonga and Dan Potts are still working towards a return.

Gabe Osho played one hour for the Development squad on Tuesday against Notts County and will be available for selection again this weekend.

Officials

The referee for our fixture against Villa will be John Brooks.

49 yellow cards and three red cards have been handed out by Brooks across his 11 games this season.

Luton Town last had a game ran by Brooks earlier this month he took charge of our Premier League defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

Referee: John Brooks

Assistant Referees: Lee Betts & Akil Robson

Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor

VAR: Robert Jones

AVAR: Ian Hussin

Fan information

A guide for away fans going to Villa Park has been provided by Aston Villa.

There is no alcohol available in Upper Tier Block P and parking can be purchased here.

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