Northampton Town take on Peterborough United at the PTS Academy stadium this weekend in a game where the hosts will be the underdogs. The Cobblers were defeated in both games against Peterborough in the 2020/21 League One season, and Saturday’s visitors will want to continue their dominance.
Northampton Town
The Cobblers have struggled with the step up from League two so far this season, picking up one point from their opening three games and they will be in for another extremely tough task against Peterborough. However, their most recent 2-2 draw versus Lincoln City and even their 2-1 loss to Wigan Athletic showed that Jon Brady’s side can compete in League One, they now just need the results to prove it.
Northampton showed an abundance of fighting spirit and character against Lincoln this week, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a vital point. The Cobblers can use this as momentum going into this weekend’s game where that level of commitment will need to be guaranteed from the players if they are to get a result. Last season’s top goal scorer and best player, Sam Hoskins, has carried his form into this season which is a massive positive for Brady and he will need to perform on Saturday.
Peterborough United
Before the season began, the Posh would have set their sights on promotion to the Championship and they have started the season with a statement of intent to achieve that goal. Three games, three victories, five goals, one conceded, almost the perfect start. Their midweek 3-1 away victory to Barnsley highlights just how well the team is performing and that regardless of the opponent, they will find a way to score goals. However, the score line doesn’t tell the whole story, as the Posh missed 5 big chances on top of the three goals they scored.
The morale around the Peterborough camp will be high and if they continue to perform how they have been, automatic promotion looks realistic. The game plan versus Barnsley was executed perfectly and all though Northampton are a lesser opponent, I expect the standards and approach to remain the same. If that is the case, Darren Ferguson will have no doubt that his side can extend the 100% win streak.
Verdict?
Northampton are not an easy side to beat, however their defending has been unconvincing in periods which may cost them on Saturday. Partner that with the Posh’s momentum and their ability to create chance after chance, it is difficult to see anything other than another victory for Ferguson.
The final prediction is Northampton Town 1-2 Peterborough United
