City look for their first league win under Russell Slade as they travel to Sixfields...
Manager Russell Slade is hoping his side can take confidence from their midweek Checkatrade Trophy win as they return to league action.
City have hosted Northampton twice at the Ricoh Arena this term, registering one win and one draw, and are now in desperate need of their first league victory since November to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.
“Of course we want to bridge that gap, that is the next stage. The opportunity to do that is a challenge, but we have to embrace it and every single game we play we have to give everything,” Slade said.
“Northampton have had a change of manager and perhaps a slight change in philosophy or shape since Justin Edinburgh came in and that can take a little bit of time.
“They’ll be looking for the right result for different reasons and with it being Justin’s first home game it may have an impact, but it’s a competitive world we live in.”
Touching on Tuesday's Trophy progression, Slade added: “It’s not a bad one, everyone will be thinking we have an opportunity to get to Wembley. What I am pleased about is that we got the home draw and we look forward to that when it comes around.
“Every game you play is competitive by it’s nature and you hope we can take a few positives going into the game against Northampton. The fact we came from behind to get through is breaking a small barrier as well.
“It would be unbelievable to fill the Ricoh, more importantly for the fans and everybody concerned it is only 90 minutes from a cup final.”