Northampton Town will be looking to solidify their place in the top half of League One when they play host to Cheltenham Town on New Year's Day.
The visitors currently reside in the relegation zone, but a victory to start 2024 has the potential to take them out of it.
Match preview
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Northampton Town picked up three points in their final match of 2023, defeating Lincoln City 2-1 to round out the year in style.
Goals from Jon Guthrie and Kieron Bowie proved to be enough to take the win in that match, helping the team climb into 10th position in the league as the Cobblers continue to try move up the division.
Jon Brady's men are currently sitting 10 points outside of the playoff position, and some consistent performances could allow them to start putting pressure on those above them.
Northampton Town have struggled for goals in comparison to other teams in the top half of the table, but they have attacked more confidently when it comes to home fixtures.
That should create some belief for the squad on Monday, especially since the Cobblers have won more games in home matches as well.
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The visitors have only won five games throughout the entire campaign, two of which took place in away games which is something that they must improve should they wish to remain in the division.
Cheltenham Town are currently in the relegation zone, and they find themselves in a tight position where a result on Monday could have a major impact on their position.
That is because a victory has the potential of taking them out of the relegation zone via goal difference, but a loss could see them sink to the foot of the table.
While all of those possibilities also depend on other results, the fact a win could have such a positive impact will certainly give the team plenty to play for in this match.
Darrell Clarke's men did manage to pick up an important point against fellow struggles Reading during their most recent outing, but it was still a frustrating night for the team as they gave away a two-goal lead.
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While he only has one goal to his name so far this season, Tyreece Simpson is expected to lead the line, while further attacking quality will come from outside with Bowie and Mitchell Pinnock.
Lee Burge was able to make a return to the bench following his injury problems on Friday, and he could be in contention to return to the team following that.
The visitors will likely continue operating with just three at the back, allowing for more attacking options to be featured in the starting lineup as they aim to cause more problems.
George Lloyd has two goals to his name already this season, and it is expected that he will partner Rob Street upfront.
Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Thompson; McGowan, Guthrie, Sherring, Brough; McWilliams, Sowerby, Leonard; Pinnock, Simpson, Bowie
Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Smith, Bradbury, Freestone; Long, Sercombe, Thompson, Bonds, Williams; Lloyd, Street
We say: Northampton Town 2-0 Cheltenham Town
These are two teams in search of points for very different reasons and that should lead to an interesting fixture to start the year.
However, the quality of Northampton Town is likely going to be too much in this one and should lead to them taking all three points.
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