Cobblers to prove tough test for Rams once again
With the prize of hosting Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round, the replay between Derby County and Northampton Town is set to be a very competitive one. The hosts are a side with little to play for domestically, a considerable distance from the relegation trapdoor and the top six in thirteenth in the Championship, they may be prioritising this match slightly more than the Cobblers who are in devastating form, fifth in League Two, unbeaten in nine and just two points off the automatic promotion spots. However, you can be certain that Keith Curle’s men with leave everything on the pitch at Pride Park, such is their fighting spirit that has seen them claw their way up the fourth tier after a slow start to the campaign.
The first meeting
With the exception of captain Charlie Goode’s early red card worthy altercationthat the referee did not deem a free kick, bundling over a clean through Jack Marriott, the Cobblers dominated the affair, particularly in the first half. Target man Vadaine Oliver will be ruing his missed opportunities of a close-range volley and header, that crept tantalisingly off target.
It was the defensive side of the game that stood out to the nation though in this case, with the back three of Michael Harriman, Charlie Goode and Jordan Turnbullnot allowing the Rams a sniff throughout, despite the two division gap. Coping more than adequately with the physical test of Scotland international Chris Martin. The visitors were unable to register a shot on target in the 90 minutes despite having nearly 60% possession, acting as testament to just how good the League Two outfits’ organisation was.
Ones to watch
The less said about Wayne Rooney’s performance at the PTS Academy Stadiumthe better, the England all-time top goalscorer was glaringly ineffective surrounded by youth as the hosts 3-4-1-2 formation blunted all penetrative balls and creativity. There were some touches of class of course, the occasional effortless first touch pass or switch of play but not enough to cause any problems.
Charlie Goode recovered from his shaky start to put in a man of the match performance winning 16 aerial duels and commanding the rearguard action very effectively. The 24-year-old is gaining admirers every time he steps onto the pitch at the moment and could play a different role on Tuesday evening. Scott Wharton is back from suspension for the Cobblers and is usually deployed to the left of a back three, meaning Goode shuffles across to the right rather than playing dead centre. This position frees the former right-back up to drag the team forward with some surging dribbles, attempting a cross or well directed long ball more often than not.
Duane Holmes is a first team regular for Philip Cocu’s men and yet was an unused sub in the reverse fixture. The USA international is one of the Rams’ biggest creative threats and has experience against Northampton, having played against them and with Goode for Scunthorpe United, reaching the League One playoffs in the 2017/18 season. He could be a new influence to turn the screw in this encounter.
Both sides have been strong defensively of late, Derby have kept three clean sheets in their last four, with the Cobblers achieving a shutout in all of their last three outings, a tight game lies ahead.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
In stark to the first meeting, it was a goal fest, with the Cobblers giving a good account once again, 4-2 Derby.