The first of five games in two weeks over the Christmas period, Town will be looking to build on last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Cambridge United which ended a run of four straight defeats.
Meeting the Cobblers for the first time since the 2015/16 season Darren Way’s side will look to sign off the year at home with a win, improving on their record of one win, six draws and three defeats at Huish Park so far in Sky Bet League Two.
In Cambridgeshire the Glovers were boosted by the return of top scorer Alex Fisher to add firepower to Town’s ranks and he’ll be looking to carry on where he left off after netting in the Emirates FA Cup tie with Stockport County in his last outing at Huish Park.
The green and whites are still without a host of players, however. Bevis Mugabi (shoulder), Nathan Baxter (hip), Diallang Jaiyesimi (knee), Gabby Rogers (ankle), James Bailey (knee), Alex Pattison (back) and Wes McDonald (hamstring) will all miss out.
For Northampton, they’ll make the trip to Somerset boasting a quartet of former Town players. Sam Foley, Sam Hoskins, Dean Bowditch and Andy Williams could all make returns.
Keith Curle’s side also head into the weekend off the back of a draw, claiming a point at home to Stevenage last Saturday.
Eight-goal man Kevin van Veen will provide the obvious goal threat, ably backed up by Matt Crooks on five.
Head-to-head
Saturday will be the 14th competitive meeting between the two sides.
Both sides have claimed four victories with five further draws. Town’s last win at home against the Cobblers came in 2009, with Jon Obika’s strike enough to claim all three points.
Last meeting in Somerset in 2016, Harry Cornick was on target in a 1-1 draw.
Officials
Robert Lewis will take charge of proceedings at Huish Park.
In what will be his 17th match of the season, he’s so far awarded 57 yellow and three red cards.
He’ll be assisted by Darren Wilding and Andrew Laver with Simon Shaw acting as fourth official.
Coverage
The pre-match thoughts of Rhys Browne and manager Darren Way can be viewed on iFollow Glovers.
On matchday, minute-by-minute updates will be provided on YTFC’s official Twitter account and live matchday centre.
If you’re unable to attend the game, overseas supporters can watch the game live via the iFollow Glovers service!
A full match report will follow on YTFC.net at full time with post-match reaction from the manager and a member of the playing staff following soon after.
