It's second versus fifth as Wycombe host Northampton in a big SkyBet League Two clash on Saturday. Only five months ago both teams were staring down the barrel of trips to Telford, Nuneaton and Altrincham this season instead of Portsmouth, Shrewsbury and Bury. The Cobblers & Chairboys finished 21st and 22nd respectively in League Two last campaign, with the latter nail bitingly securing their Football League status on the final day at the expense of Bristol Rovers. Gareth Ainsworth's men, however, have started the 2014/15 season brightly and will be looking to continue the climb towards League Two’s summit.
Wycombe head in to Saturday’s clash on a seven league game unbeaten run, with their last loss back in August at home to Tranmere Rovers. They lay just one point off leaders Burton Albion and will be looking to take any opportunity to usurp The Brewers from top spot. Last weekend The Chairboys welcomed Cambridge United to Adams Park and experienced striker, as well as current top scorer, Paul Hayes popped up with the winner in a 1-0 win. Gareth Ainsworth could well name an unchanged lineup from that fixture meaning Hayes would likely continue his partnership up top with Matt McClure. Ex-Brentford wide man Sam Wood will be looking to add to his three assists thus far by supplying the chances from the left. Unbeaten in seven, additionally the Wanderers head into The Cobblers clash with the best defensive record in League Two, having conceded seven goals in 10 league matches. The ever present back line of Sido Jombati, Aaron Pierre, Alfie Mawson and Joe Jacobson will be helping 'keeper Matt Ingram towards a sixth league clean sheet of the season.
Northampton take on League Two’s best defence as the best attack in the league with 18 goals in their 10 league games this campaign. Last weekend’s 1-0 win at Morecambe was the first time in five league games that they were limited to only a single goal in a game. Unsurprisingly as the league’s top scorers The Cobblers also boast League Two’s current top goal scorer in Marc Richards, who has eight goals in nine league appearances this term. Local boy and scorer last time out, Ivan Toney will also be vying for a starting place up top. Summer signings John-Joe O’Toole and Lawson D’Ath will attempt to supply chances and goals from the midfield, as well as the clubs top assister Kaid Mohamed. Unfortunately for Northampton though Leicester City loanee Ryan Watson has returned to the King Power Stadium due to a cruciate ligament injury. At the back ever present Gregor Robertson will be helping to keep out the Wycombe offence as behind him Jordan Archer will continue in goal as Matt Duke remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
The Cobblers will be hoping for better fortunes against Wycombe this time round as last season they were handsomely beaten at home 4-1, but gained a valuable point with a 1-1 draw in the Adams Park tie. Wycombe and Northampton is an intriguing matchup as the league’s top scorers visit to breach League Two’s meanest defence, but it will be Gareth Ainsworth's Chairboys with their eye on League Two's top spot.