Morecambe vs Northampton Predictions

Morecambe were widely expected to struggle this season after narrowly escaping relegation last year. Their opening results have only added to these concerns.

On opening day the team were humbled 6-0 away at Crewe, looking a distinct class below their opponents, even though Crewe were a mid-table side last year. Their next game saw them fall 2-0 at home to Exeter City, which was seen as an improvement on the first game but was nonetheless worrying that a 2-0 home loss is considered “progress”.

In the midweek cup match, Morecambe were well beaten by Championship side Preston but managed to score their first goal of the season through striker Liam Mandeville. Indeed, it can be argued that this progress continued, as Morecambe only lost 1-0 away to Stevenage in the most recent League Two match, with winger Kevin Ellison having several chances to put Morecambe in front.

Regardless, it looks to be a very worrying time for the club and at the moment, relegation looks a certainty.

Another side who have faced struggles this season is Northampton. Amidst internal strife at the club, the team have failed to win as of yet but show more promise than Morecambe.

After losing 1-0 at home to Lincoln on the opening day, the club have drawn their next three matches. In the league, these have been 2-2 draws with Carlisle away and Cambridge at home, whilst they held League One side Wycombe Wanderers to a 1-1 draw in the cup, only to go out on penalties.

Despite the lack of wins, the team have actually performed well. They dominated Lincoln in that first match, whilst they could have easily won against Carlisle and conceded a late goal against Cambridge to give up the win on Saturday.

They undoubtedly look strong in attack, particularly striker Kevin Van Veen, who has scored three times already in the league. If they can maintain this attacking prowess but shore up the defence, then Northampton will be near the top of the table in no time.

Indeed, we think this could start to happen with a win against a Morecambe side sapped of confidence. Northampton could be lethal in attack and Morecambe simply do not have the quality to stop them. Although, we also think Morecambe could get a goal back, given Northampton’s tendency to let in goals.

Therefore, a “Northampton to Win & BTTS” with a 3-1 correct score-line could be a winner.