Northampton look to build on promising performances as they host fellow strugglers Rochdale

Despite losing 4-3 to MK Dons previously, Northampton Town have shown positive signs under temporary manager Jon Brady and will look to get the first three points under his management against out of form Rochdale.

The Cobblers currently sit 22nd in Sky Bet League One on 25 points. Despite only picking up one point from nine under the 49-year-old, their performances have improved massively and they have ended their six-game goal drought on Saturday after putting three past The Dons.

Former manager Keith Curle was sacked two weeks ago after poor form and the chairman gave the chance to U18 manager Jon Brady, assisted by Ian Sampson and Marc Richards. All three have been working hard to bring the Northampton out of the bottom four and recent performances has brought hope for the ‘shoe army’.

The two sides faced earlier this season in a 1-1 draw. Brian Barry-Murphy’s men showed their dominance in this fixture with 73% possession and having nearly double the shots, but now under new management, it will be an interesting game at The PTS Academy Stadium on Tuesday night.

The form has not been great in the opposition camp either. Rochdale sit 18th in League One on 27 points. Only two points separate both sides with both teams playing the same number of games.

A win for the Lancashire side tomorrow night would not improve their league position, but would extend the gap between themselves and the bottom four, whereas a win for the hosts would take them out the relegation zone as long as results go their way.

Team News

Northampton

Northampton have no current injuries worries with both Alan Sheehan and Mickel Miller back from injury. Scott Pollock still remains out but has returned to field-based training.

Rochdale

Rochdale will be without top scorer Matty Lund after his injury last time out. Lund was seen with crutches after his injury on Saturday and it looks like he’ll be out for a while. The Dale will also be without Jake Beesley and Jimmy Ryan. 

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