Match Preview
So, here we go again! After the heartache of the final day, Cobblers fans would be forgiven for being in need of a bit of a break from the football, but we find ourselves back and ready for the new season, albeit a little earlier than normal. On paper, the Cobblers look to have made some solid signings and are hot favourites for the title (which will of course, strike fear into the hearts of all of us-there’s something about that pressure!), only trouble with that is the expectation the new players now face!
The Opposition
Up first are Colchester, who’ve not had the easiest of journeys over the last few years. They’ll start this season without Captain Tommy Smith and Eymr Huws and with a new management team in place, it’s all change for the Essex team.
Last Time Out
Last time out Sam Hoskins helped the Cobblers cruise to a 3-0 victory in a stand out performance for the team, something they’ll be hoping to repeat on Saturday.
One To Watch
Noah Chilvers is the man to look out for according to Max from the Views On The U’s podcast.
The midfielder was the standout performer for Wayne Brown’s side last season and the U’s boss has admitted that the club will do very well to keep hold of him.
Team News
The Cobblers fairly unchanged from last year (with the exception of a few faces, Roberts in particular), the only huge loss is McGowan, who is sidelined until September.
Former Cobblers loanee, Emyr Huws is not available for Colchester along with club captain, Tommy Smith. The pair both picked up an injury during pre season.
Line-Up Prediction
Match Officials
Martin Woods is the man in the middle for the first league game of the season and he loves a home win.
The last 7 games Woods has been in charge of have resulted in wins for the home side.
6 of them were in the National League, with Walsall’s 1-0 home in over Carlisle being the only other EFL tie he’s referee’d.
Prediction
I’m predicting a fairly comfortable 2-0, with Hylton and Appere making the perfect combination upfront with a goal a piece.
Charles is the founder and main presenter of the award-winning It’s All Cobblers To Me podcast.
He began the podcast after going self-employed in 2018 as a podcast producer and voiceover artist. The original thought being that It’s All Cobblers To Me would be a place to try out new things – like a test podcast of sorts.
As well as being Cobblers mad, Charles is also a ultramarathon runner and has a blog about that that he tries to keep up to date as often as he can.
