In a key game at the bottom of the table, the Town know three points would see them go into the international break outside the relegation zone.

The significance of the fixture is not lost on Edwards who hopes the atmosphere inside the ground can match the heady victories over local rivals Watford and Sunderland, in the play-off semi-final second leg, last term.

“I think the players and the fans all recognise the importance of the game,” Edwards said. “We’d love to have their presence inside the ground earlier when the lads are warming up, like last year.

“The place needs to be bouncing. Even if we’re not. The fans need to try and drag a performance out of us.

“There will be times when we’ll make mistakes but that’s when we’ll need them more than ever.

“It’s been the case this season when the supporters have helped us when we’ve been behind and the lads have responded.

“This team will always fight and we need the fans to help us fight all the way to the end once again.”

After Wednesday’s gut-wrenching 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth, Edwards paid tribute to those Town fans who stayed behind to applause the side off the pitch.

“To be honest they were probably trying to pick me up,” said the boss. “They are special supporters. They’ve been through a lot and there’s been some difficult times this season.

“I’m not expecting the fans like seeing us lose, but they’re very understanding. They’re intelligent to see we’re a group that’s giving everything.

“They were probably just as angry and frustrated as we were after Wednesday but we’re going to need them on Saturday.

“We need the Kenny like Watford and Sunderland from the very start and then it’s down to us to ensure they keep that up when the game starts.”

Town supporters are encouraged to arrive at the ground early with Buy One Get One Free on all drinks available up until 2.30pm.