2019-20 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Friday

Northampton Town welcome Derby County to Sixfields Stadium in the opening clash of the FA Cup Fourth Round.

As the sole surviving League Two club, Northampton face a tough test against Derby who are ranked 38 league places higher than them and boast a strong squad including Wayne Rooney. 

 

Team news

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Scott Wharton is ruled out for Northampton as he begins a three match suspension, having been sent off at Leyton Orient on Tuesday after a brawl involving both teams. 

Alan McCormack is a doubt as he continues to rebuild his match fitness after injury, whilst Harry Smith (ankle) and Shaun McWilliams (knee) are both ruled out indefinitely.

Derby will be without Jack Marriott as he continues to recover from a thigh injury but should be available for Tuesday’s league game against Luton.

Krystian Bielik (knee), Ikechi Anya, George Evans (both calf), Mason Bennett (ankle) and Graeme Shinnie (hamstring) are ruled out. 

 

Stat Attack

• Northampton are winless in four FA Cup meetings with Derby (D1, L3). 
• Two of four FA Cup meetings between these teams have finished 4-2 in favour to Derby, although both results took place at Pride Park. 
• Northampton haven’t progressed to the fifth round since 1969-70 season, although they have lost two Fourth Round appearances away from home since that season.
• Derby have progressed to the Fifth Round in two of the last five seasons, with both Fourth Round wins in those seasons coming away from home. 
• Northampton are winless in ten meetings in all competitions against Derby (D4, L6).

 

Prediction

Northampton are currently in strong form with no losses in their last six (W4, D2) which is a concern for Derby’s defence but the Cobblers’ backline is hardly any better, so I am expecting a good attacking game between these two teams. 

Derby’s win at Crystal Palace in the Third Round however represents their only away win since mid October in all competitions, which is concerning against an attacking team like Northampton so I am tempted to predict a shock home win here.

Wayne Rooney however has lifted the Rams in recent weeks which however makes me think that they could get another away win here, although they aren’t impressive at the back on their travels so this will be a tight game right until the final whistle.

Prediction: Northampton Town 1-2 Derby County

Result: Northampton Town 0-0 Derby County