Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers meet on Saturday afternoon with the two clubs having an opportunity to move clear of the relegation zone.
Sitting in 19th and 18th position in the League One table respectively, there are just two points separating these teams in the standings.
Match preview
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Taking over a struggling side in what is his first managerial role since 2018, Kevin Nolan knew what he was getting into when joining Northampton.
However, the former midfielder can be satisfied by delivering three wins and three draws from his opening 10 games in charge of the Cobblers.
As well as a stalemate being earned away at second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton have recorded victories over the likes of Huddersfield Town and Mansfield Town to move four points clear of the relegation zone.
Although they succumbed 2-0 at home to Wrexham last time out, there was an understanding of the size of the task in front of them.
A game such as this one may prove to be far more pivotal, Northampton knowing that they can move ahead of their next opponents with a win at the Sixfields Stadium.
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That will not be an easy task, however, with Inigo Calderon having had a similar impact as Nolan at the Memorial Stadium.
Bristol Rovers have won four of the Spaniard's opening 11 games in charge, the club now six points clear of the drop zone and within touching distance of 16th position.
Perhaps most tellingly, though, Rovers have only been starring at home with 10 points having been collected from a possible 12.
In sharp contrast, the Pirates have won just once on their travels since the end of November, that coming by a 1-0 scoreline at bottom club Cambridge United.
Four consecutive away defeats have been posted in all competitions without scoring a goal, also conceding at least twice on every occasion.
Team News
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Aaron McGowan may return to the Northampton back three to take the place of Jordan Willis, who was withdrawn before half time versus Wrexham.
James Wilson could also be deemed ready for his first league start of the season with Tariqe Fosu potentially dropping to the substitutes' bench.
Meanwhile, Taylor Moore could come into the Bristol Rovers XI at right-back, potentially allowing Joel Senior to play further forward.
Although Shaq Forde was sent off last time out, his dismissal came after his introduction as a substitute.
Aston Villa loanee Sil Swinkels is an option to come into the team at centre-back, but Scott Sinclair may keep his spot in the team despite his half-time withdrawal last time out.
Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Tzanev; Odimayo, McGowan, Dyche; Hoskins, Perry, Taylor, Pinnock; McGheehan, Costelloe, Fosu
Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Ward; Moore, Wilson, Taylor, Sousa; Sotiriou, Lindsay; Senior, Hutchinson, Sinclair; Martin
We say: Northampton Town 1-2 Bristol Rovers
With both teams having shown improvement of late, they will each fancy their chances of adding points to their respective totals. However, we are backing the visitors to come through, a result that could prove pivotal come the end of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
