By Billy Stephenson
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Northampton squad will be making the trip to the Crown Oil Arena as they take on Rochdale.
The Cobblers currently sit 23rd in League One having failed to pick up three points since beating Portsmouth 3-1 in September.
Rochdale are not overachieving either,r sitting just a few places above their opponent’s.
Last time out The Dale lost their lead in the 83rd minute due to a Devante Cole equaliser for Fleetwood.
Northampton is also coming off a defeat after falling 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon making three points for both teams tonight a crucial effort.
The midlands side striker Chris Long could return to the first XI tonight after recovering from a hamstring injury. Marc Richards will be facing a late fitness test as well.
Chris Long could return, while Marc Richards faces late decision: https://t.co/YVtMoEQQHf
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) October 17, 2017
Matt Crooks, Leon Barnett and Aaron Phillips are all out with injuries. Alex Revell is also unavailable due to suspension.
Speaking to the Cobbler’s website about the upcoming match Hasselbaink said: “We need to turn things around quickly… The players need to see that I believe in them which I do, we need to keep knocking on the door and hopefully that door will open very soon.”
Dale’s boss Keith Hill could be making plenty of changes to his starting XI. Kgosi Ntlhe and Jordan Williams are hoping to play a bigger role after coming off the bench in their last match. Right-back Joe Rafferty is the next man up to replace defender Donervon Daniels.
Midfielder Keith Keane remains on the sidelines, with a lengthy injury spell since injuring his hamstring.
The last time the two teams met was back in April where the points were split evenly in a 1-1 draw.