Northampton Town will look to break into the automatic promotion positions in Sky Bet League Two with a victory over Bradford City.

The Cobblers have had a fantastic start to the season, but are currently winless in four, including defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion's academy and Cambridge United in the FA Cup. 

But an October run of four consecutive victories sees Jon Brady's side just two points adrift of the automatic positions, something they can penetrate on Saturday.

The home side have failed to live up to pre-season expectations so far under Derek Adams, with the Bantams currently sat in 11th position with just two victories in their previous seventeen outings.

  • Team news

Despite the match being deemed null and void due to Exeter City's illegal use of substitutions in the FA Cup first round replay, striker Lee Angol will be absent due to a suspension he sustained for two yellow cards.

Andy Cook will also continue to be missing due to a hamstring injury, and won't return for another month. 

Despite having a run of midweek fixtures, Northampton should be injury-free heading into the tie. 

There may be rotation following the Cambridge match on Tuesday night, but Tottenham Hotspurs loanee Kion Etete is likely to retain his position up front despite the competition of Nicke Kabamba and Benny Ashley-Seal. 

Dylan Connolly may start against his former side. 

  • Predicted lineups

Bradford City: O'Donnell; Threlkeld, O'Connor, Songo'o, Canavan, Foulds, Watt, Sutton, Cooke, Robinson, Vernam

Northampton Town: Roberts; Revan, Horsfall, Guthrie, Koiki, Hoskins, McWilliams, Flores, Pinnock, Lewis, Etete

  • Ones to watch

Levi Sutton

A workhorse in the Bantams midfield, Sutton has earned his place in Adams' side and has earned the approval of the Bradford fans. 

With his impeccable work rate and tireless attitude, Sutton has formed a strong partnership with Elliot Watt in midfield, but in Callum Cooke's temporary absence the midfielder has been seen to saunter into more attacking positions, acting as an advanced midfielder in recent weeks. 

Sam Hoskins

Mr. Northampton Town himself, Hoskins has been with the club since departing Yeovil Town in 2015, making over 250 appearances. 

Hoskins prides himself as Northampton's leading scorer, boasting stats such as five goals and four assists from the right wing position. 

Using his pace and knowledge of the division, Hoskins is entering his prime and will be a threat to an inexperienced defender such as Matty Foulds. 

  • Officiating

Referee: Carl Boyeson

Assistant referees: Robert Atkin/Paul Newhouse

Fourth official: Declan Bourne

  • Previous meeting

Due to promotions and relegations, it’s been over two years since these two sides last locked horns, but previously it was the Bantams who came out on top.

Despite Charlie Goode initially giving the Cobblers the lead, an own goal from Michael Harriman and an 88th minute header from Paudie O’Connor granted Bradford a late victory at Valley Parade.

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​​​​​​​This game is a 15:00 BST kick-off, but unfortunately cannot be watched in the UK. However, it can be watched internationally through the clubs' streaming services on their website. Tickets are also still available for the match, however pay on the gate is not permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions.