Bury are the visitors to Sixfields this weekend, where an exciting, last game to the season looks in store, as both teams will be out to secure a play off position.
A win for Northampton will keep their feint play off hopes alive, however they also need other results to go in their favour, most importantly, Darlington must beat seventh place Dagenham.
Victory for Bury this weekend could secure a play off position for them, they need Aldershot to come away with all three points against fellow play off hopefuls Morecambe.
Vital Quotes:
Northampton midfielder Ryan Gilligan has told the fans to create an intimidating atmosphere and get behind the team this weekend.
Gilligan told BBC Radio Northampton, ‘Hopefully they (the supporters) can create an intimidating atmosphere.’
‘With the players we have in our squad I think we have a really good chance.’
Despite Northampton needing a miracle to finish in a top seven position, Gilligan still remains hopeful of the Cobblers chances, ‘It’s definitely not all over as far as we’re concerned. The last day of the season always has a twist and someone manages to sneak in the back door. So we’ve got our fingers crossed.’
Bury captain Stephen Dawson says his side remain focused on the tough job ahead, ‘It is a one-game shootout now, we have to win at Northampton, which is going to be tough, but we know what we have to do’, Dawson told the Bury Times.
“We need everybody to stick together and we need a big following at Northampton to get behind us.
“We still have one game to go and there is no point in being negative. It is not a nice time but we still have a chance and we won`t give in yet.’
Northampton Team News:
Dean Beckwith will miss the last game of the season through suspension, captain Craig Hinton should take his place. Luke Guttridge could feature after serving his three match ban.
Player to watch: Adebayo Akinfenwa
Akinfenwa’s performance will be key to Cobblers team, as his excellent hold up play, will no doubt, be the main source to the chances that they create on goal.
Bury Team News:
David Worrall and Ryan Lowe have both missed training this week, but both are confident of being fit and available this weekend.
Player to watch: Ryan Lowe
Without question, former Chester City striker and deadly finisher Ryan Lowe will pose a major threat to the Cobblers goal. The 31 year old has 17 league goals to his name this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Northampton
Form: D L L L W L
Three defeats in row during April saw the Cobblers late play off push fade, though a recent win against Shrewsbury increased hope, however defeat last time out against Bradford leaves them needing other results three results to go their way, to have any chance of a top seven. Northampton have won 4 out of their previous 6 home matches, conceding only two goals in the process.
Bury
Form: W L W D L L
The Shakers poor form of late has seen them fall out of the play off positions, where they have been for most of the 09-10 campaign. Bury will look back on their poor away form which has hindered their progress this season, losing 5 of their last six league outings.
Match Prediction:
The Cobblers home form, matched by the Shakers away form, will make this a definate home win.
My Prediction: Northampton 2-0 Bury
Next Fixtures:
For the 10-11 League season, Northampton host Birmingham and Coventry in pre season friendlies.
