Luton manager Rob Edwards is convinced his promoted side can get a result at free-spending Chelsea tonight — insisting ‘numbers don’t play the game’.
The Hatters have spent about £20million this summer to strengthen their squad, whereas Chelsea have invested more than £900m in the past three windows.
The trip to west London will highlight the vast difference in spending between the two clubs but Edwards will not be using the shortfall as an excuse.
‘Those numbers don’t play the game — it is players and human beings who play the game,’ he said. ‘They have still got to gel as well, I’m sure they won’t be fully in their rhythm just yet. They are going to keep improving and this is probably a good time to play them.
‘The numbers don’t matter, get over that white line and when the whistle blows it is 11 v 11, let’s go and have a right good go. I know what these players are capable of — I’ve got total belief and faith in them that we can be competitive in every game.
‘We know we will be written off by a lot of people, it is understandable and nothing to be taken personally.
‘I think it puts more pressure on them and off us but when I had a meeting with the players, I’m stressing that we want to go and win this game.’
Ross Barkley — who joined the Hatters on a free this month — could make his debut against his former club.
‘He’s been training with us for a couple of weeks,’ said Edwards. ‘We’ve been delighted with him. So he’s certainly in the mix.’
