ECHOSPORT takes a closer look at tomorrow’s opponents Northampton Town with the help of Cobblers fan Adam Long.

THE SEASON SO FAR

Northampton have endured a difficult season so far and are currently 22nd in the League One standings.

The Cobblers began the season with former Blues defender Justin Edinburgh in charge but he was sacked at the end of August after starting the season with four successive League defeats.

Edinburgh was replaced by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, but Northampton remain inconsistent and the ex-Chelsea striker still has a lot of rebuilding to do.

RECENT FORM

Northampton reacted well to a 5-1 defeat at Oldham by beating Walsall and drawing with Blackburn but since then they have suffered three defeats in a row.

STYLE OF PLAY

Northampton tend to use a direct style of play, with one striker, and like to play narrowly.

Town often line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

DANGERMAN

When ex-Shrimpers loanee John-Joe O’Toole is in the side, Northampton are much stronger.

TEAM NEWS

Defenders Aaron Pierre and Aaron Phillips are both out, along with former Blues striker Alex Revell.

PREDICTED LINE-UP: Ingram, Moloney, Taylor, Poole, Buchanan, Pereira, O’Toole, Grimes, Hoskins, Crooks, Long