Northampton Town look to bounce back after cup exit

Northampton Town host Oxford United this weekend in League One after their midweek exit from the Papa John’s Trophy to rivals MK Dons.

This season back in League One for Northampton Town has been a difficult one. They have lost eleven games so far and have conceded thirty-six in the process. Only Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, Swindon Town and Burton Albion have conceded more than The Cobblers.

In their last five games, they have only won once losing three and drawing one. Their poor form has them only one point away from the relegation places. Last time they played Oxford United was this season in December when they lost 4-0 away.

Since their exit in the cup, Northampton have dipped into the January transfer window to bolster their squad. The Cobblers have signed Rotherham United forward Mickel Miller on loan for the rest of the season. The twenty-five-year-old has made nine appearances in the Championship this season.

Their second loan signing is another forward in Ryan Edmondson from Leeds United. The nineteen-year-old made his first appearance for Leeds at sixteen in the Championship. Edmondson had spent the first half of the season on loan at Aberdeen scoring two goals in fourteen appearances.

As for the visitors, they have been in great form over the last few weeks. Midweek, they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Papa John’s Trophy, unlike Northampton, with a 1-0 win at home to Cambridge United. Oxford United have won eight games in League One this season and half of them have come in their last five fixtures (winning four in a row). This weekend, they are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league that has lasted since the end of November.

Team news

For Northampton, there are no new injury concerns for this game. Joseph Mills made his first appearance midweek for the first time since injuring his ankle at home against Peterborough United in October. Scott Pollock is still the only long term absentee with a persistent groin problem.

Oxford United, manager Karl Robinson is coy on naming players that are suffering knocks that could be doubtful for this weekend.

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