Preview: Northampton Town vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

A home victory for Northampton will help solidify their position in the top three, as they look to keep themselves in title contention.

Match preview

Northampton Town come in to this clash in fine league form, currently sitting third in the League Two table, and their 39 points after 20 games is the second-best start to a season in the club's history.

Last time out in the league they were unable to find a way past League Two strugglers Tranmere Rovers, and were made to settle for a 0-0 draw.

The Midlands side held 62% possession in the clash, and were certainly the team controlling proceedings on the day.

Despite the disappointing result, Northampton are proving a very difficult side to beat, and are now seven games undefeated in their domestic league.

Jon Brady's team have also been clinical in front of goal, scoring 34 times in their domestic campaign, the most of any side in the division.

Striker Sam Hoskins has been prolific in front of goal this season with 13 to his name, putting him top of the League Two goalscoring charts alongside Bradford's Andy Cook.

Historically, Northampton have fared well when hosting Carlisle United, winning each of their last three home meetings, and scoring three goals on each occasion.

Carlisle United also enter this fixture in solid shape, undefeated in their last five League Two fixtures.

Last time out, Paul Simpson was left disappointed as his side were unable to hold on to an early lead, and ultimately drew 1-1 against Sutton United.

A Ryan Edmonson header put Carlisle ahead on the half-hour mark, however Will Randall equalised for the visitors just before the break to see the two sides share the spoils.

Simpson spoke post-match about his frustration that came from the players' inability to create meaningful chances in the match, and will hope to see his side revert to a more free-flowing approach that has helped Carlisle rise to seventh in the League Two table.

Worryingly for the Cumbrians, they have managed just one victory against Northampton in the last seven attempts, though it was their last fixture against the Cobblers in March of this year.

Northampton Town League Two form:

W

D

D

W

W

D

Northampton Town form (all competitions):

D

D

L

W

W

D

Carlisle United League Two form:

L

W

D

D

W

D

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

W

D

D

W

L

D

Team News

Northampton Town were gifted an extended break as last week's match against Harrogate Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Jon Brady had no fresh injury concerns entering the match against Harrogate, and will now hope a rested squad will be fully fit to overcome Carlisle United.

Top scorer Hoskins is one yellow card away from suspension, while 17-year-old defender Josh Tomlinson may be involved off the bench after recently signing a new long-term contract with the Cobblers.

Meanwhile, Carlisle United's fixture against Barrow was also postponed due to the unplayable conditions of the pitch due to the heavy snowfall.

Defender Ben Barclay sustained a back injury in the lead-up to the Sutton United clash, and it is expected he will miss another three weeks of action.

Fin Back remains unavailable for selection, however Paul Simpson announced Morgan Feeney would have taken part in the fixture against Barrow had the match gone ahead. The defender has since been in full training, and could be handed a chance off the bench against Carlisle.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; McGowan, Sherring, Guthrie, Odimayo; Fox, Sowerby, McWilliams; Pinnock, Bowie, Hoskins

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Holy; Whelan, Mellish, Huntington; Ellis, Moxon, Guy, Armer; Gibson, Dennis, Edmonson

We say: Northampton Town 2-1 Carlisle United

While both sides have proven difficult opponents to take points off in the league this season, Northampton Town's consistency of performance makes them one of the teams to beat in League Two.

Carlisle have been strong performers away from home this season, however creation of meaningful opportunities has been a problem for Paul Simpson of late, and they may not have the attacking power to outscore their fellow promotion contenders.

Previews by email