Both Northampton and Tranmere need the points as badly as each other but for very different reasons.

Gilligan faces fitness test for hosts while Mayor set for Rovers debut

Both Northampton and Tranmere need the three points as badly as each other on Saturday but for very different reasons. The hosts sit 17th in League One just four points off the drop zone but will look to build on the fact that they have not lost in two league games. A draw with Brighton and a win over Cheltenham has improved their fortunes slightly and they will be itching to face Rovers after their clash with MK Dons in midweek was called off at half-time due to torrential rain with the score at 0-0. Meanwhile their opponents will be looking to get their play-off aspirations back on track after a 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool on Tuesday left them three points off the top six.

Cobblers team news

Northampton manager Stuart Gray will make a late decision on the fitness of midfielder Ryan Gilligan. Gilligan, who opened the scoring in the Cobblers' 4-1 thrashing at Prenton Park earlier this season, was forced out of the abandoned clash with MK Dons on Tuesday with a knee injury. Gray said: "He's got a slight cartilage twinge which we have been trying to manage over the last few weeks. "He forced his knee back on Tuesday so he has missed training but there is a chance he may be available." Captain Chris Doig will again miss out with a one-game suspension after the match with MK Dons was abandoned at halfway through while striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will serve the second of a four-game ban. Wing-back Liam Davis is back in training after a hernia operation and could come into contention while midfielder Luke Guttridge is also close to a return from his knee problem.

Rovers team news

Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore could hand a debut to on-loan Preston winger Danny Mayor. The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract with Preston in December and has impressed in their reserve side this season and joined Rovers on a one-month loan. Defender Ian Goodison is hoping to return after serving a one-match suspension in the 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool in midweek. However, Goodison is also nursing a knock and will be assessed along with a number of other players. Full-back Ryan Shotton missed the Hartlepool defeat with a groin strain while Terry Gornell (stomach) and goalkeeper Danny Coyne (medial ligaments) are also nursing injuries. Striker Bas Savage (foot) looks set to be missing and fellow frontmen Craig Curran (back and stomach) and Chris Greenacre (foot) definitely miss out.