Cheltenham vs Northampton Predictions

• Cheltenham are unbeaten in five meetings with Northampton, winning on four occasions
• Three of Cheltenham’s last six home wins have ended 2-1, which includes against visiting Northampton in February
• Both teams have scored in four of the last five league meetings between the sides

Cheltenham should have Wembley spot secured

Cheltenham won 2-0 against Northampton at Sixfields on Thursday and given they are even better at home, where they lost just twice in 18 league games, their place in the playoff final at Wembley looks all but secured.

The Robins, who are now unbeaten in their last five meetings with Northampton having won on four occasions, started slowly at Sixfields but controlled things when they took the lead and finished the game the stronger of the two.

Cheltenham were 2-1 winners over Northampton in February, one of 11 home wins for them this season, and it was a well-deserved three points that suggested they were the better of the two sides.

That’s how it proved in the opening leg but an impressive goalkeeping display from Owen Evans, who saved Ryan Watson’s first-half penalty with the game still goalless, ensured they kept the Cobblers at bay.

Cheltenham conceded in 13 of their 18 home games this season and Northampton’s need for victory should see an open game with chances created at both ends.

Cobblers can find a breakthrough

Northampton failed to make the most of home advantage in Thursday’s opening leg but they created enough goalscoring opportunities to at least grab a consolation and can play their part in an exciting contest at Whaddon Road.

The Cobblers had a first-half penalty saved and won the shot count 16-10, with the physical presence of Vadaine Oliver and pace of Callum Morton causing plenty of problems.

With dead-ball specialist Nicky Adams also in their ranks and top scorer Sam Hoskins returning from suspension, Keith Curle’s men have enough quality in the final third to breach the Robins.

Northampton failed to score in only three of their 18 away league games in the regular season and they have notched in each of their last three trips to Whaddon Road.

Goals could flow at Whaddon Road

Both teams have scored in four of the last five league meetings between the sides and Cobblers’ desperation for victory means this could be an open affair.

Both teams scored in seven of their final ten away games last term, which includes a 2-1 defeat here in February.

With that in mind, we’re looking at a 2-1 win for Cheltenham for our correct score prediction given they have recorded three of their last six home victories by that scoreline.