Northamptonvs.Reading

At a time when the home side sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, Reading are sixth in the table and pushing hard for the playoffs.

Match preview

While Northampton fans may have felt that the appointment of Kevin Nolan was somewhat of a risk, the former West Ham United backroom staff member is currently delivering on his remit.

Last weekend's 4-0 victory at Peterborough United has moved the Cobblers seven points clear of the relegation zone, Nolan now having 25 points from his 20 games in charge.

As it stands, that is the 14th-best return in the division across that period, and four or five points from the last five games may be enough for Northampton to get over the line.

However, their home form remains an issue. Northampton have now gone five matches without recording a victory at the Sixfields Stadium.

With a trip to Charlton Athletic to follow, it puts extra importance on this contest as Nolan looks to edge Northampton closer to safety.

Meanwhile, Noel Hunt has emerged as one of the best-performing EFL managers since the start of February with just one defeat being recorded during that time.

When Reading are in disarray off the pitch, it is a remarkable achievement, the Royals collecting 27 points across a 14-game period.

Nevertheless, that has only been enough to keep them two points above seventh position at this stage, albeit with a favourable schedule to conclude the campaign.

Although Northampton have been poor at home this campaign, winning just six of 20 matches, Reading have prevailed from only five of their 20 away encounters.

Northampton Town League One form:

W

D

L

D

L

W

Reading League One form:

W

D

W

L

W

W

Team News

Barring any fitness issues, Nolan may see no reason to make any changes to his Northampton XI after the demolition of Peterborough.

Tom Eaves came off the substitutes' bench to find the back of the net, but the forward may start this game among the replacements.

Cameron McGeehan ended a four-match drought for a goal or assist with two of the latter at London Road.

Having been introduced at half time at Shrewsbury, Reading duo Kelvin Abrefa and Jayden Wareham are both in contention for recalls.

Andre Garcia and Mamadi Camara will feel that their places are at risk, but Hunt may not want to overly-tinker with his starting lineup.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; Eyoma, Mbete, Guinness-Walker; McGowan, Perry, Taylor, Pinnock; Hoskins, McGeehan; Costelloe

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Abrefa; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Ehibhatiomhan, Wareham, Campbell

We say: Northampton Town 1-2 Reading

With both clubs securing pivotal victories last time out, we expect a competitive encounter to materialise on Saturday. However, with Northampton's best work coming on their travels, we feel that Reading will edge this contest by the odd goal in three.

Written by

Darren Plant

Previews by email