Huddersfield Town make the trip to Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win they need to bolster their position in the League One playoffs.
At a time when the Terriers sit in fourth position in the table, Northampton are down in 20th spot having also gone three games without success.
Match preview
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Since the appointment of Michael Duff, Huddersfield have generally been one of the top-performing sides in League One, only playing second fiddle to the runaway top three.
However, they have started to lose their way for the second time this campaign, the first time seeing four consecutive defeats posted from September 21 onwards.
This time, just six points have been accumulated from as many games, including posting back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City.
Huddersfield also had to come from behind to earn draws with Burton Albion and Blackpool during that period, and Duff may be grateful that there is still a four-point advantage over seventh position.
On a more positive note, Huddersfield have not suffered an away defeat in League One since October 1, a run stretching seven games.
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As for Northampton, Kevin Nolan is realising the size of the task that he has ahead as he looks to keep the Cobblers in the third tier.
Just one victory has been posted in his opening seven matches - a 1-0 win at then-bottom-placed side Burton - with two defeats coming in their last three encounters.
Nevertheless, some context is required when a goalless draw was earned at second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, while they also pushed a resurgent Bolton in midweek before losing by a 3-1 scoreline.
One positive for Nolan is that Northampton have played just 12 home league fixtures this campaign, four fewer than the amount of away games, and he will feel that they can improve on 15 points coming matches at the Sixfields Stadium.
Team News
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James Wilson may be considered for a start in the Northampton attack having come through two substitute outings since his return from injury.
However, Tariqe Fosu and Tom Eaves are also pushing for opportunities, with Will Hondermarck and Cameron McGeehan at risk of dropping down to the substitutes' bench.
Despite only losing 1-0 to leaders Birmingham, Duff may show preference to tinkering with his Huddersfield XI for this contest.
Oliver Turton, Joe Hodge and Josh Koroma are all options to return in various areas of the pitch.
Dion Charles is at risk of dropping down to the bench having failed to score in three starts since joining from Bolton.
Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Tzanev; McGowan, Dyche, Eyoma; Odimayo, Shaw, Hondermarck, Taylor, Pinnock; Wilson, Hoskins
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Chapman; Pearson, Lees, Spencer; Turton, Kane, Hogg, Evans, Roosken; Koroma, Marshall
We say: Northampton Town 1-3 Huddersfield Town
While Northampton will view this as a fixture where they can take advantage of their poor form of their opponents, Huddersfield will see it in the same light. Taking everything into consideration, we are backing Huddersfield to secure a relatively-comfortable win over the relegation candidates.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
