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

Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeats over the weekend, where the hosts were beaten 1-0 at home by Wycombe Wanderers while the visitors suffered a 1-0 loss to Port Vale.

Match preview

Northampton Town had a successful League Two campaign in the 2022-23 season, finishing in third place behind Leyton Orient and Stevenage, which saw them return to League One after four seasons.

So far, though, things have not gone well for the Cobblers as they have managed to secure just seven points from their first six league fixtures and are down in 15th place, with a record of two wins, one draw and three losses.

The hosts had a very poor showing in this competition last season as they finished bottom of their group, losing each of their three matches against Cambridge United, Ipswich Town and Arsenal U-21.

However, they will be much more confident in their chances of registering their first points in this year's competition as they have been the dominant side in this fixture over the last few years, losing only once in their last five encounters against this opponent.

Meanwhile, Oxford had a difficult season in League One last term, finishing in 15th place with 47 points in 46 matches, which was just three points above the relegation zone.

However, they have made a much better start this term, as they come into this match in sixth place in the league standings, with 12 points after six matches and just one point behind the league leaders Exeter City in the early stages.

Over their first seven matches in all competitions this season, Liam Manning's side have won four and lost three matches, including a 5-1 defeat by Bristol City that saw them exit the Carabao Cup in the first round.

The U's finished third in their group in this competition last season, with a record of one win and two losses in their three matches; however, having made a positive start to the season, they will be quietly confident that they can get this year's cup run off to a winning start.

Northampton Town EFL Trophy form:

Northampton Town form (all competitions):

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L

D

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Oxford United EFL Trophy form:

Oxford United form (all competitions):

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W

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Team News

Jon Brady opted to switch to a 4-3-3 formation in the loss to Wycombe Wanderers last weekend, and we are likely to see the Cobblers boss revert to their more familiar 4-2-3-1 setup in this match.

If that were to be the case, then that should mean Jack Sowerby and Marc Leonard will play in the double pivot, with Louis Appere leading the line.

New signing Greg Leigh had an eventful match against Port Vale last week as he scored a late equaliser and then conceded a penalty in stoppage time, which saw him receive his second yellow, meaning he will not feature in this match.

Mark Harris was also sent off in that match, though he received a straight red and will begin the first of a three-match ban in this one.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Thompson; Odimayo, Sherring, Guthrie, Brough; Sowerby, Leonard, Hoskins, Pinnock, Bowie; Appere

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Stevens, Moore, Negru, Brown; McGuane, Brannagan, Bodin, Rodrigues, Goodrham; Perkins

We say: Northampton Town 1-1 Oxford United

While the visitors are the marginal favourites in this fixture, they will be without a few key personnel on the road. The U's may go on to qualify in this group, but we feel they will have to settle for a point in this match.

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