Northampton vs Crewe preview
Friday 2 November 2018 12:53, UK
In-form Northampton will be without suspended midfielder Sam Foley for the next four matches, beginning with Saturday's home game against Crewe.
The 32-year-old was sent off during the victory over Oldham and will now be unavailable until November 24 as he also sits out the Checkatrade Trophy game with Fulham, the FA Cup tie at Lincoln and the league trip to Exeter.
Foley's absence could open the door for a return to the team for Daniel Powell, while Andy Williams will also hope to be recalled. Northampton have won four of their last five matches in all competitions and have lost just one of the last six league games.
Eddie Nolan, who has missed 10 league games due to a calf injury, could be back in contention for Crewe. The defender is nearing a return to first-team action after playing for the under-23s last week.
Nicky Hunt could be in line for a recall after he was dropped for the midweek game against Mansfield, which saw the Alex lose 3-0 at home. Oli Finney scored twice for the under-23 side on Monday and the 20-year-old midfielder is pushing for more first-team game time.
Opta stats
Northampton are unbeaten in their last five home league games against Crewe (W2 D3), alternating between a draw and a win - they drew 1-1 in their last home encounter in December 2011.
Crewe have only failed to score in one of their last 23 league encounters with Northampton - a 0-0 draw in March 2008.
Northampton will be looking to win three consecutive league games for the first time since January in League One.
Crewe have won just one of their last eight away league games (D2 L5), failing to score in five of those matches (3 goals in total).
Charlie Kirk has been directly involved in 50% of Crewe's 16 league goals so far this campaign (8 - 4 goals, 4 asissts) - no League Two player has been directly involved in a higher percentage of their sides goals.
