Northampton Town play host to Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon both in need of victories to bolster their respective positions in League One.
At a time when the home side sit just six points clear of the relegation zone, the visitors have recently dropped down to 12th spot in the standings.
Match preview
© Imago
With Kevin Nolan having taken on his first managerial role in six years, some Northampton fans may have had reservations about his appointment.
However, the former midfielder has accumulated five points from his first four matches to establish some breathing space ahead of the bottom four.
On the back of draws with Shrewsbury Town and Stevenage, the Cobblers battled their way to a 1-0 victory over bottom-placed side Burton Albion last time out.
Just a few weeks after 15 goals were shipped in four games across all competitions, Northampton have now conceded just once in their last three league fixtures.
The next target is collecting more points on home territory, with Northampton recording just 15 points from their 11 games at the Sixfields Stadium.
As for Lincoln, they remain in a rut under Michael Skubala who must be fearing that the club's hierarchy may soon opt for a change.
One victory has been posted in their most recent 12 encounters in League One, with that coming on December 21 when they overcame sixth-placed Reading.
Since then, though, three consecutive defeats were followed by a goalless draw against Stevenage. Lincoln have now failed to net in four league games in a row.
Now nine points adrift of the top six, Skubala is aware that he can ill-afford for their ongoing streak to continue if he wishes to remain in the dugout, even though positives can be taken from only losing 2-1 to Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
Team News
© Imago
If Nolan chooses to make a change to his Northampton XI, it would likely see Tariqe Fosu drafted into the team to replace Samy Chouchane.
The likes of Luke Mbete and Callum Morton remain on the sidelines and are not expected to return for another couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, Skubala may be tempted to name the same Lincoln XI on the back of pushing Birmingham in the FA Cup last week.
Although Jovon Makama's penalty was ultimately a consolation goal, Lincoln performed admirably to remain in the contest.
Tom Bayliss and Freddie Draper are options in midfield and attack if Skubala opts to make a change.
Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Tzanev; McGowan, Willis, Eyoma; Odimayo, Shaw, Hondermarck, Pinnock; Chouchane; Hoskins, Eaves
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Darikwa, Montsma, O'Connor, Erhahon, Roughan; McGrandles, Jefferies; Moylan; Cadamarteri, Makama
We say: Northampton Town 1-2 Lincoln City
With Northampton having finally got another win on the board, they have the momentum heading into this contest. However, given they only defeated the bottom-placed side, we are backing the visitors to edge this fixture and secure a morale-boosting three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
