Cheltenham v Northampton betting preview, free tips, team news & TV details

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Cheltenham v Northampton in the Sky Bet League Two playoff semi-final second leg on Monday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 8pm Monday

Best bets

Both teams to score
2pts 11-10 Betfair
Sam Hoskins to score at any time
1pt 7-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Cheltenham
Number one keeper Scott Flinders remains out, so Wigan loanee Owen Evans continues in goal.

Northampton
Top scorer Sam Hoskins is back from suspension to give Keith Curle a full-strength squad to choose from.

Match preview

Cheltenham are in a commanding position to book their place in the Sky Bet League Two playoff final following Thursday’s 2-0 win at Northampton but there could be a few bumps along the road in the return leg in Gloucestershire.

An impressive goalkeeping display from Wigan loanee Owen Evans, who is deputising for the injured Scott Flinders, and some slack Cobblers finishing are the reasons there is daylight between the sides but on another day things may have been different.

Evans saved a first-half penalty from Ryan Watson with the game still goalless and the Cobblers won the shot count 17-10, forcing six shots on target to Cheltenham’s four.

The Robins defended resolutely, as they have done all season, but Northampton have no choice but to play on the front foot at Whaddon Road and that could lead to an entertaining affair.

Cheltenham boasted the fourth tier’s best defence with just 27 goals conceded in 36 games, but they were breached in 13 of their 18 home outings, including in the 2-1 win over the Cobblers in February.

The physical presence of Vadaine Oliver and pace of Callum Morton caused problems for Cheltenham in the opening leg and with dead-ball specialist Nicky Adams a constant threat in wide areas, it may be harder for them to keep Northampton at bay for a second time.

The quick turnaround after such a long layoff is something to consider and the return from suspension of leading scorer Sam Hoskins should add an extra dimension to Keith Curle’s attack.

The lively Hoskins, who is also the first-choice penalty taker, has grabbed 11 goals in all competitions this season and will be fresher than most, so may represent some value to get his name on the scoresheet.

Northampton’s desperation for a positive result, however, may leave them vulnerable to a Cheltenham counter-attack and the Robins, who scored two or more in 11 of their 18 home games, should make their mark.

Key stat

Both teams have scored in four of the last five league meetings between the sides.

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