League 2 promotion contenders Northampton will take on play-off hopefuls Carlisle on Tuesday night in the only midweek League 2 fixture of the week.
RealSport101's Harry Smith is on hand to provide a comprehensive preview of Saturday's EFL League 2 battle, including team news, predicted starting XIs and predictions.
Northampton vs Carlisle Team News
Northampton will be without a trio of players when they welcome Carlisle to Sixfields on Tuesday night with Josh Felix-Eppiah, Tyler Magloire and Ali Koiki all unavailable for the hosts.
Manager Jon Brady will likely stick with the same 4-2-3-1 system that has served his side well this season to date with Sam Hoskins leading the line ahead of Shaun McWilliams at the head of the midfield.
Carlisle's trip to Sixfields will come too soon for the likes of Omari Patrick and Ben Barclay, while young centre-back Morgan Feeney remains doubtful for this midweek fixture.
Paul Simpson is expected to make no changes to the tactical set up with the visitors set to line up in a 3-5-2 system with former Leeds striker Ryan Edmondson partnering Kristian Dennis up top.
Confirmed Absentees
Northampton: Josh Felix-Eppiah, Tyler Magloire, Ali Koiki
Carlisle: Omari Patrick, Ben Barclay, Morgan Feeney (doubtful)
Predicted Lineups
Northampton (4-2-3-1): Jones; Darikwa, Whatmough, Tilt, Bennett; Shinnie, Power; Lang, Keane, McClean; Broadhead
Carlisle (3-4-2-1): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Clark; Baldock, Norwood, Osborn, Stevens; Berge, Ndiaye; McBurnie
Northampton vs Carlisle Score Prediction
Neither of these two sides have played a League 2 fixture since the 3rd of December due to adverse weather conditions in the UK, but Northampton Town remains in the automatic promotion spaces heading into Tuesday night's game.
The Cobblers have impressed under Jon Brady this term and can move a mighty seven points clear of fourth-placed Swindon Town should they see off Carlisle tonight.
The visitors also sit in a positive position heading into this midweek fixture with a win good enough to see Carlisle climb from seventh place to fourth tonight, just three points behind their hosts.
That said, Paul Simpson's men have lost three of their last four League 2 games heading into this fixture, but a return of seven points from their last three on the road will give the away side some inspiration.
Score Prediction: Northampton 2-0 Carlisle
Harry's Tip: Northampton - First team to score
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