Next Up: Northampton Town v Exeter City

So far so good for City, after Paul Tisdale’s side followed up their opening day victory with a stunning win away to Swindon in the Capital One Cup. With that in mind City will be brimming with confidence heading into the second of three successive away trips in the space of a week as they head to Northampton. Tisdale has an interesting selection headache after his altered side performed so well – Jordan Tillson and Danny Butterfield came in and will both hope to have done enough to merit selection on Saturday, although with City’s progression meaning two games a week for the next few weeks Tisdale may opt for rotation. Lee Holmes and Jordan Moore-Taylor are both close to fitness but are unlikely to be ready just yet.

It’s fair to say that last season Northampton were one of the underachievers of the division, scrapping in mid-table for much of the campaign when their squad outlay suggested they should be in the mix. Indeed, had you said after watching the gulf in quality between the Cobblers and City last August that Chris Wilder’s side would finish below City, you might have had your sanity called into question. The close season has been one of some turmoil, with rumours of financial meltdown and a protracted takeover saga, but Northampton like City have started with two wins out of two including a thrashing of crisis club Blackpool on Tuesday night. Despite finances being tight there is still plenty of quality at Wilder’s disposal, such as Marc Richards up front and Ricky Holmes and John-Joe O’Toole in midfield, while former City loanee Chris Hackett is still at the club despite being transfer listed and he opened his account for the season against Blackpool. Ivan Toney would have been a threat but he has now departed for Newcastle.

Despite a disappointing season, the Cobblers took maximum points from City. Last August, however, it took Northampton until the last minute before a spectacular overhead kick from Richards sealed what was in fairness a deserved victory as City were dominated from start to finish. It was more straightforward at the Park as first half goals from Richards and O’Toole completed a 2-0 win. Northampton have a significant Football League head to head lead with 46 wins to City’s 28 (28 draws).

Guide to Sixfields stadium http://www.exeweb.com/2012/07/20/the-things-you-need-to-know-sixfields/

Match Officials http://www.exeweb.com/2015/08/13/match-officials-northampton-town-v-exeter-city/