When : Tuesday October 3 2023, 7.45pm
Where : Sixfields, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5QA
Capacity : 7,798
Deep joy, time for another ***** away game only this away game is harder as it's not only combining the terrific run of 2 points from the last 48 possible on the road but also the full might of failing to win away from home in the league in any standard midweek game against a side NOT beginning with 'B' since April 2014 (a record that will be 10 years old next year - and I think we should have a celebration drink if it gets that far). And that comes down to just 4 away midweek league wins in almost 10 years, playing 53 such games in that time. It's cr@p following Reading isn't it?
Northampton are in 18th place with 10 points (so are effectively actually as **** as Reading would be if Reading weren't run by people with cashflow problems). Their home record would actually suggest there might be a chance for Reading as the Cobblers have lost 3 of their 5 home games so far so aren't anything too special in Northampton since being promoted last season.
The form of the hosts isn't too spectacular currently either with 1 win and 3 defeats in the last 4 but they have beaten Peterborough at home and won at Exeter in league games which of course Reading failed miserably to do. The danger man here is midfielder Sam Hoskins who scored 22 in 40 league games last season and has already bagged another 4 in his 9 league appearances so far (which is 50% of what Northampton have managed in total).
Mbengue was reported injured and missed the Burton borefest so presume he'll still be crocked for this one, McIntyre got concussed in the same game so isn't likely to be involved at all so those two plus Ejaria and Smith are unlikely to play any part on the night.
Referee
Matt Corlett
Previously
Nothing known
Historically
There have been 88 previous league meetings between the two clubs so this will be the 45th trek over to their place but just the 4th league visit to Sixfields. It's not been too bad a venue as Reading have won 2 and lost 1 of the 3 league visits to this part of Northampton.
The remaining 41 trips were to the famous old three sided behemoth of the locals cricket pitch (which is still used by Northamptonshire if anyone wants to visit that too for old time's sake). Those 41 visits resulted in 14 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats so overall Northampton have been one of the more welcoming sides for Reading, however Northampton do seem to be an opponent that can score goals for fun against Reading, having racked up several 5 goal stuffings down the years.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use a RoyalsTV subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
