Preview: Salford City vs. Northampton Town - prediction, team news, lineups

While the hosts occupy 11th position in League Two, the Cobblers currently sit in the automatic promotion places after losing only one of their previous 11 league games.

Match preview

Salford had avoided defeat in five straight competitive games, before they began the new year with an away trip to Bradford.

The Ammies battled back on two occasions to level the game at 2-2 thanks to a Conor McAleny brace, but Abo Eisa gave Bradford the lead for a third time to condemn Salford to a 3-2 defeat.

That result leaves Salford three points behind the playoff places, although they have a game in hand over seventh-placed Mansfield Town.

Despite losing to Bradford, Neil Wood's side have the third-best away record in the division, but their home form will need to significantly improve if they are to mount a serious playoff push.

Since beginning the season with three consecutive home league victories, Salford have failed to win any of their previous eight home matches in League Two.

While Salford are targeting the playoffs, Northampton are fully focused on achieving promotion, and they are well-placed after 24 league matches.

The Cobblers, who occupy the third and final automatic promotion place, currently enjoy a seven-point cushion over Carlisle United and Bradford City, who sit in fourth and fifth spot respectively.

They also reduced the gap to the top of the table to seven points after they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over league leaders Leyton Orient last week, thanks to a second half effort from Ben Fox.

Jon Brady's side may have only registered one goal against Leyton Orient, but they are currently the division's highest scorers after racking up 39 goals this season.

Northampton can also call upon the second-best away record in the third tier, with their 11 away games yielding six wins, four draws and one defeat.

Salford City League Two form:

D

L

W

D

W

L

Salford City form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

L

Northampton Town League Two form:

W

D

W

D

L

W

Team News

Salford are expected to be without the services of Matthew Lund, Elliot Simoes, Stevie Mallan, and Liam Shephard, while Callum Hendry will serve the final game of a three-match suspension.

Alex Cairns recently joined on loan from Fleetwood Town until the end of the season, and subject to EFL and FA approval, the goalkeeper could make his Salford debut on Saturday.

After being brought on at half time against Bradford, Ryan Leak may be brought into the centre of defence to partner Theo Vassell.

As for the visitors, they could be without the services of Ali Koiki and Louis Appere are expected to miss out, while Jack Sowerby is a doubt after missing the last two games.

Brady may also be without the services of Tyler Magloire and Shaun McWilliams, who were both forced off in the first half against Leyton Orient.

Sam Hoskins is currently the league's highest scorer with 15 goals to his name this term, and the winger will look to add to that tally when he features on the left flank on Saturday.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

Cairns; Bolton, Vassell, Leak, Touray; Watson, Watt; Bailey, Galbraith, McAleny; Smith

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; McGowan, Sherring, Guthrie, Odimayo; Fox, Leonard; Eppiah, Pinnock, Hoskins; Bowie

We say: Salford City 1-2 Northampton Town

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