The view from the other side: Northampton Town

What have you made of Northampton’s start to the season?

"Solid but unspectacular.

"That isn't a criticism.

"Most fans will be quite happy with a season like that on the back of last year's incredible campaign.

"With a new manager and half a new team, the players need time to bed in before we can look at what is realistic at this level.

"A year of consolidation doesn't sound very ambitious but it is what we need.

What are the hopes for Northampton this season?

"A few supporters were getting carried away towards the end of last season, looking at what Burton were on the verge of achieving and thinking we could be capable of doing that too.

"It's a nice dream to have but not realistic, we knew we had players who would be the targets of teams higher up in the summer and we've done well to hold on to what we've got and build on it.

"Most would be happy to see Rob Page match his mid-table finish with Port Vale last year."

How much will the Man United game have taken out of the players?

"A lot I'm sure.

"They had no choice but to run themselves into the ground to stay in the game for as long as they did.

"United probably fielded the best team that has ever visited Sixfields and they were always in control but we beat West Brom on penalties in the previous round, and went to Coventry that weekend and drew, so they've been through the experience recently and will know what to do to recover properly and be ready."

Northampton fan - Chris Rivett

Which Northampton players do Blues need to keep an eye on?

"Rob Page has strengthened the spine of the time well, bringing up in some real quality in players like Lewin Nyatanga, Matty Taylor and Alex Revell down the middle.

"Revell is rightly getting the plaudits, he offers more than just his goals - his workrate is phenomenal and that sets the tone for the team.

"Experienced players like David Buchanan and Zander Diamond rarely get man of the match, but you always know you'll get a performance from them.

"Then there is John-Joe O'Toole, he came back a different player after his loan spell with Southend two seasons ago.

"He has knuckled down and has shown what he's about; he was integral to our success last season."

What’s the team news ahead of the game?

"Paul Anderson was cup-tied on Wednesday, I expect he'll come back into contention on the right, although Sam Hoskins was impressive against United in that position so he has made it hard for Rob Page to drop him.

"But he's versatile and can play in any of the attacking positions so I'd expect him to keep a place in the starting line-up.

Predicted line up?

"Assuming there aren't any major knocks, I don't expect we'll be too different to how we started on Wednesday night. We could well start with the same team, possibly Anderson coming into the side and Hoskins moving to a central role in the place of Harry Beautyman, linking the midfield to Revell. Nyatanga and Gabriel Zakuani have been taking it in turns at the back with Diamond so possibly that could be one area that changes."