Northampton Town vs Leyton Orient: League One Clash Preview
As the League One season progresses, Northampton Town will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they host Leyton Orient at Sixfields on Saturday. Both teams find themselves in the lower half of the table, desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone. With recent performances leaving much to be desired, this match could be pivotal for both sides.
Current Form
Northampton Town
Northampton Town currently sits in 20th place in the League One standings, having secured just two wins from their nine matches. Their recent form has been troubling, with three consecutive league defeats, including back-to-back home losses against Mansfield Town and Bolton Wanderers. The Cobblers’ last outing was a disheartening 4-1 defeat to Wrexham, where Cameron McGeehan’s goal was merely a consolation.
Despite their league struggles, Northampton managed to find some respite in the EFL Trophy, securing a 2-0 victory against Notts County. However, they will need to translate that confidence back into league performances, especially at home, where they have not won in their last four matches (D1, L3) since their opening home victory against Exeter City.
Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient is just above Northampton in the standings, occupying 19th place with eight points from ten matches. Like their hosts, the O’s have also struggled recently, managing only two points from their last four league games. Their last win came in a convincing 4-1 victory over Stockport County on September 21, but since then, they have drawn with Peterborough United and Wrexham, followed by defeats to Exeter City and Lincoln City.
In their most recent EFL Trophy match against Colchester United, Leyton Orient drew 1-1 but managed to secure a bonus point by winning the penalty shootout. This result may provide a much-needed morale boost as they prepare for their trip to Sixfields, where they will aim to break a winless streak against Northampton in their last three away encounters.
Team News
Northampton Town
Injury woes continue to plague Northampton Town, with several key players sidelined. Patrick Brough, Ali Koiki, Luke Mbete, Harvey Lintott, and Callum Morton are all unavailable. Aaron McGowan is also out due to a calf injury sustained against Wrexham, while Jordan Willis will miss the match due to injury as well.
Manager Jon Brady is likely to field a back four consisting of Akinwale Odimayo, Jack Baldwin, Jon Guthrie, and Nesta Guinness-Walker. The midfield will likely feature McGeehan and Sowerby, with Hoskins, Roberts, and Fosu supporting striker Eaves in a bid to secure crucial points.
Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient is expected to make several changes from their EFL Trophy lineup. Key defenders Tom James, Omar Beckles, and Jack Currie are likely to return to the starting XI. The midfield could see the inclusion of Ollie O’Neill, while Dan Agyei and Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley may also feature in the attack alongside top scorer Kelman.
Possible Lineups
Northampton Town:
- Goalkeeper: Burge
- Defenders: Odimayo, Baldwin, Guthrie, Guinness-Walker
- Midfielders: Sowerby, McGeehan
- Forwards: Hoskins, Roberts, Fosu, Eaves
Leyton Orient:
- Goalkeeper: Hemming
- Defenders: James, Beckles, Simpson, Currie
- Midfielders: O’Neill, Brown, Ball, Donley, Agyei
- Forward: Kelman
Prediction
With both teams struggling to find form, this match is poised to be a tightly contested affair. Northampton Town will be eager to end their losing streak at home, while Leyton Orient will be looking to build on their recent EFL Trophy performance. Given the stakes and the current form of both sides, a draw seems the most likely outcome.
We say: Northampton Town 1-1 Leyton Orient
Both teams have shown flashes of potential but have struggled to convert that into consistent results. A draw would not only provide a point for each side but also a sense of stability as they look to improve in the coming weeks.
For further analysis and insights into this match, visit Sports Mole.