Match Preview: Northampton Town v Swindon Town

Charles previews the Cobblers' home game with Swindon Town.

It’s ironic that after Sam Hoskins’ Paulo Di Canio esque goal on Boxing Day, our next opponents are the team he used to manage, Swindon Town.

Thursday night’s encounter is the first of two big games at Sixfields over the New Year period. And with a near sell-out crowd expected – Swindon have sold out their allocation – it’s sure to be a cracker.

In another twist of irony, 2022 started with a game against Swindon at the County Ground. Hopefully, we’ll witness a better result at Sixfields to end the year.

The Opposition

While he won’t be available for the game, Swindon will be buoyed by new signing Charlie Austin. The striker, who left them in 2011 and went on to play for Burnley, QPR, Southampton and West Brom has reportedly signed a deal to return to the County Ground from January 1st.

Swindon are 5th in League Two coming into tonight’s game having lost at home to Walsall on Boxing Day and only 1 win in their last 5.

That doesn’t mean Swindon will be easy pickings though. While I wouldn’t call them a bogey team, they have won at Sixfields on numerous occasions, the last being a 1-0 win in February 2020.

Last Time Out

The Cobblers drew 1-1 at Mansfield while Swindon lost 2-1 at home to Walsall on Boxing Day.

One To Watch

21 year old Jacob Wakeling has been involved in 10 of Swindon’s 26 goals this season. With 5 goals and the same amount of assists, Wakeling can play as a striker or right winger. He signed for Swindon in the summer from Leicester City’s academy after enjoying a loan spell at Barrow for the 2nd half of last season.

Team News

Ali Koiki may return to training this week but Thursday’s game will come too soon for the attacking left back. Otherwise, Jon Brady has a fully fit squad to pick from and Mitch Pinnock may now be full

Just like the Cobblers, Swindon have had an illness going through their squad in recent weeks and so will be without defender Ciaran Brennan but manager Scott Lindsay does have Luke Jephcott back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Line-Up Prediction

Match Officials

Lewis Smith is the referee on Thursday night. Lewis has taken charge of just 3 games in the EFL this season. This will be his third League Two match of 22/23 having also presided over the League One game between MK Dons and Forest Green on Boxing Day.

Is those 4 games, Lewis has shown 14 yellow cards and no reds. Michael Webb and Hristo Karaivanov are running the lines while RAlan Young is fourth official.

Prediction

Games against Swindon are usually tight affairs. Yes, I’m ignoring last season’s hammering at the County Ground on New Year’s Day. Apart from that game, our first game back after an enforced Covid break, games between the two sides are usually settled by just 1 goal. So with that in mind, I’m going for a 2-1 Cobblers win.

Share:

More Posts

Northampton Town team photo for the 2022/23 season

2022 Year In Review

No year is ever plain sailing following the Cobblers and 2022 was no exception. From the highs of that Leyton Orient win in April to

Cobblers Team of 2022

With 2022 coming to a close, it’s time to announce the Cobblers team of the year. It’s been a good calendar year for The Cobblers.

For The Love Of Kits

With the release of the 2022/23 away kit, The Cobblers line up of shirts for the new season is complete. Charles takes a look at some of his favourites.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *