Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says his respect for today’s Premier League opponents Luton grows every time he watches them.

Villa are bidding to consolidate their top-four position and a third straight top-flight win in the evening kick-off at Kenilworth Road could lift them further clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.

But Emery has warned his side face a tough challenge having done his homework on Rob Edwards’ Hatters.

The Villa head coach said: “It will be a very demanding match in 90 minutes. Even when they were losing 3-0, they scored two goals against Manchester City (in last week’s 6-2 FA Cup defeat).

“Even when they were losing 3-0 at home against Chelsea (in December), they scored two goals and had chances to draw the match.

“Analysing them, my respect for them is increasing. I’m impressed with how they are playing.”

Ross Barkley has been key to Luton’s survival battle this season and although the Hatters have lost their last four games in all competitions, the former Villa midfielder’s displays have been noted by Emery.

“He’s playing very well,” the Spaniard said. “They are in a very good moment – not only Barkley. They are feeling confident and playing feeling strong.

“Maybe they haven’t had good results because they didn’t win in their last matches, but they are playing very well.

“I appreciate a lot how they are playing. Very aggressive, man-to-man, playing in combinations and Barkley is in a very good moment.”

A 17th league win of the season for Villa will extend their five-point advantage over Tottenham, who have a game in hand, if the Londoners fail to beat Crystal Palace at home.

Emery added: “We are very excited in the Premier League with how we are progressively getting better and being committed to try and do our best.

“We are fourth in the table now and we know we have to be consistent in 38 matches. Each match we are going to face is worth three points.

“Luton is worth the same points that we were playing for against the top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City.”

Emery confirmed defenders Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will both be included in his squad.

Konsa has missed the last four games due to a knee injury, while Torres was withdrawn at half-time in last week’s 4-2 home win against Nottingham Forest.

Jhon Duran will not feature as he closes in on his return from a hamstring injury and Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara remain long-term absentees.