Northampton – Port Vale

Northampton host Port Vale in what promises to be a tightly contested clash at Sixfields, with the Cobblers sitting 17th on six points after a solitary win, three draws and two defeats, scoring three and conceding five. Visitors Port Vale linger just above the relegation zone in 22nd place, having amassed five points from one victory, two stalemates and three losses while netting three and allowing seven. Both sides have struggled to find the back of the net this season, and a win for either club could be pivotal in the battle to climb out of the lower reaches of the table. The recent head‑to‑head record offers little guidance, suggesting the encounter could hinge on which side tightens its defence and capitalises on the few chances that arise.