Stevenage travel to Sixfields stadium to face Northampton Town knowing that a win will propel them back into 2nd place and one step closer to the clubs first promotion in 12 years.
Stevenage have been one of the most surprising teams in the division this year after surviving the drop once experienced manager Steve Evans took charge late in the season leading them to a 21st place finish.
This season has been a different story however as the Hertfordshire based club are sitting in 3rd place and have been sitting in the promotion places since the 24th September, aside from temporarily dropping to 4th last week.
They have also made waves in the cup competitions as they managed to reach the third round of the league cup for the first time and got to the 4th round of the FA Cup doing so after famously coming back from behind to beat Aston villa away from home.
Northampton were the early favourites to go up this year after last years heart-breaking promotion battle after losing 3rd spot on the final day as Bristol rovers piped them by goals scored after Joey Barton’s men won 7-0 against already relegated Scunthorpe.
Add into this, their play-off semi-final defeat to Mansfield town. This year has been a great season for Northampton sitting in 2nd place and poised to finally go back up to the third tier as the season begins to come to the business end, with the majority of sides having eight matches left to play.
Team News
Stevenage finally have the services of Guyana international Terence Vancooten after 2 months out with an injury. However Josh March, Jokull Andresson and Taye Ashby Hammond are still out so Jon McCracken who is on a emergency loan from Norwich will still deputise.
Northampton Town still have a few players who are a doubt for Saturdays game including Sam Sherring Said Jon brady during his interview with the clubs website. However David Norman signed from Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC could be in line for his first start after coming off the bench against Doncaster.
Recent Meetings
Stevenage have a very worrying record against Northampton it has to be said. In the last five games, Stevenage have not won any and have only earned one draw, a 0-0 in the EFL Trophy.
22th October 2022- Stevenage 2-3 Northampton Town
15th March 2022 – Stevenage 1-2 Northampton Town
19th October 2021- Northampton Town 3-0 Stevenage
17th November 2020- Northampton Town 0-0 Stevenage
1st January 2020 – Northampton town 1-0 Stevenage
Writers View
In my opinion I think it will be very cagey game with both sides fighting for promotion, the game will heavily rely on what formation Stevenage play and if Vancooten is fit to start. If that happens I am going to predict a 0-0 draw.
I’d settle for a 0-0 too. But somehow can’t see Northampton slipping up at home. Hope I’m wrong!