This weekend Northampton travel to Bradford looking to keep their Play off push alive. With Bradford lying mid table and nothing to play for, the stakes are still high for the Cobblers, only three points will be enough if they are to have any chance of securing one of three up for grabs play off positions.
With Rotherham set to secure their play off spot come Saturday afternoon, seven teams are still fighting for the last three play off positions.
However, Bradford will still pose tricky opposition for the Cobblers, the team will be wanting to impress new boss Peter Taylor, aiming to earn themselves new contracts for next season.
Northampton cannot afford to leave without a win, dropped points will surely end their play off hopes and result in another campaign in League Two.
Emotions will also be high this Saturday, as Bradford look to remember the 56 unfortunate fans that lost their lives, twenty five years ago, from the Valley Parade fire disaster.
Before the game both sets of supporters will be asked to show their support by purchasing a memorial t-shirt at a cost of £5.00 each, which come colours of either Claret or Amber. All proceeds will go to the Bradford City Burns Unit.
Vital Quotes:
Northampton Town boss Ian Sampson has told his players not to let the emotions this Saturday effect their concentration, in a game of high importance and expectation. ‘It’ll be an emotional day, certainly for the Bradford fans.’
‘We’ll show all the respect that we need and then concentrate on us.’ Sampson told BBC Radio Northampton.
Sampson added, ‘Once they’ve done the memorial and the minute’s silence we’ve got to really focus on our jobs.’
‘I think I probably played that day in ’85. It was sad news to hear about it. It was a shocking day for everyone.’
Bradford quotes to be added soon!
Bradford Team News:
Bradford team news to be added shortly!
Player to watch: Bradford
With nine goals to his name this season, the main threat to the Cobblers goal will be Gareth Evans who looks set to lead the Bantams line this Saturday.
Northampton Team News:
Northampton have no new injury concerns, Chris Dunn remaining the only long term absentee. Luke Guttridge will serve the last game of his three match ban. Andy Holt looks set to keep Captain Craig Hinton out of the team after two impressive defensive displays.
Player to watch: Northampton
Power house Adebayo Akinfenwa is expected to start after being rested after 66 minutes last weekend. Peter Taylor has pin pointed the 16 goal striker as the main threat to Bradford’s goal.
Match Facts & Stats
Bradford
Form: L L D W W D
Inconsistency has been Bradford’s downfall again this season, however their form has picked up of late, with victories in their last two outings at Valley Parade.
Northampton
Form: W D L L L W
An inconsistent April saw the Cobblers lose three straight games which potentially scuppered their play off push, however an empthatic victory over then promtion hopefuls Shrewsbury, has put them back in the hunt for a play off spot.
Match Prediction:
Bradford will raise their game for the special occasion, but this is a must win game for Northampton and I expect them to come away with all three points.
My Prediction
Bradford 1 – 2 Northampton
Next Fixtures:
On the final day of the 09/10 campaign, Bradford travel to mid table Crewe and Northampton take on play off contenders Bury.
