Rob Edwards says Luton are aware of Preston North End’s poor home form, but says his men cannot drop their level by “even one per cent” if they hope to get a result at Deepdale tonight.
The Lilywhites beat Town 1-0 at Kenilworth Road early in the season, on the hottest day of 2022, as they started the campaign by going seven games without conceding a goal.
But at home, Preston have only taken 13 points and that is the second-worst haul in the Championship behind basement boys Wigan Athletic.
On the other hand, the Hatters have the best away form outside the division’s top two, Burnley and Sheffield United.
Asked if Preston’s home discomforts is a factor that Luton can exploit, Edwards said: “It’s something we can be aware of, of course, but at the same time we recognise their threats and how well-organised a team they are, and how well coached they are.
“If you think back to the very beginning of the season, we played them when we were down the road (with Watford), at their place, and I don’t think they conceded in their first seven games or so – something ridiculous like that.
“They are very well organised, they can defend well, but we also recognise that we want to try and hurt them and disrupt them as well, so that’s what we’ve been working on over the last couple of days.
“But like everyone, (we have) complete respect for them. It’s going to be another tough Championship game like they all are, and if we drop our levels even 1 per cent, we’ll get turned over, so we need to make sure we are at it.”
Preston’s chances have also been hit by the suspension of seven-goal top scorer Ched Evans, though they’ll still have Emil Riis Jakobsen, who has netted five times this term.
Edwards said: “They’ve got options, and obviously they brought some lads in on loan as well that they have been playing, and can play, so whatever team they put out, there will be quality in there.
“It’s Preston North End Football Club, they are going to be a good team with good individuals. So that’s what we’ve prepared for. We’ve done everything as we normally do.
“We’ve worked through their threats, how we are going to prepare without the ball, and how we want to try hurt them in the areas that we think we can.
“So, we are expecting another real tight game, but one that we know that if we turn up and give everything, that we can win as well.”
