Luton Town boss makes brilliant St James' Park claim ahead of 'tough' Newcastle United test

Rob Edwards is prepared for "cacophony of noise" when his Luton Town side take on Newcastle United at St James' Park this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Hatters make their first league trip to Tyneside since September 1992. Their last visit was five years ago as a League Two club, which in itself sums up an incredible journey.

Edwards' men beat Newcastle 1-0 at Kenilworth Road in December but the Luton boss is all too aware of how difficult a trip to St James' Park can be after comparing its atmosphere to Liverpool's Anfield.

"When I think of St James' Park, I think it is as close to Anfield as you can get really," said Edwards. £I think those two places can make a cacophony of noise. They can smoother opposition teams by starting so quickly. We have to be ready for all of that.

"They had a fantastic result in midweek against Villa, who no one has been able to beat at Villa Park so they'll be confident. We're going to expect the toughest game possible but we're really looking forward to it as well.

"We're in good form and we can't wait. I can't wait."

Luton head to the North East on the back of a 4-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, which saw them climb out the relegation zone on Tuesday.

Indeed, the Hatters have lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions. Newcastle, meanwhile, are hoping to build on the midweek win at Aston Villa.

Despite a difficult season so far, Eddie Howe's side tend to be strong at home, although have lost their last two matches to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.