With Leyton Orient virtually assured of one of the three automatic promotion spots, Northampton, who were beaten play-off semi finalists last season, are at the head of a group of five teams covered by just three points in the race for the other two places. However they could be as low as fifth after tonight’s set of games, or open a five point gap over the team in fourth place were they to win and other results go in their favour. They come in to the game having lost just once, a 3-0 reverse at Newport, in their last eleven games, and boast the division’s second highest scorer this season in Sam Hoskins.

Sutton are unbeaten in the three previous league meetings between the sides, with the encounter at Sixfields in October seeing Northampton dominate the first half and lead 2-0, but goals from Omar Bugiel and Donovan Wilson quickly restoring parity after half time, after which both sides could have claimed a winner. Last season’s game at Sutton finished goalless while U’s won 2-0 at Sixfields.

Sutton are looking to end a run of three successive defeats and seven games without a win, and will have Ben Goodliffe available again after he missed Saturday’s game due to the birth of his son, while Will Randall could also feature in the squad having been absent since coming off injured against Stockport on Good Friday.

Tonight’s referee David Rock, who is in his fourth season as an EFL referee, has been a regular visitor to Sutton since our National League South days, and has already taken charge of games away to Gillingham and at home to Swindon this season. On Saturday he refereed the League One game between Lincoln and Port Vale which saw three players sent off.

Tickets for Sutton supporters are available on line here, price £20 for adults, £14 for concessions and £6 for juniors. Under 12 tickets are free if bought in conjunction with adult or concession tickets. Stand seats are £5 more in all cases. Tickets can be bought at the ground this evening, but adult and concession prices rise by £2 for tickets bought in person this evening, a rise that doesn’t apply to tickets bought on-line, even today.

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As it is a midweek game it will be streamed live on iFollow in the UK and overseas, with a pass costing £10. Passes can be bought here.

The fan zone will open at 6pm as usual for supporters to enjoy a drink and something to eat in the, hopefully, spring sunshine before the game, with fish and chips on the menu.

We have produced a double programme that also covered Saturday’s game against Leyton Orient, and this can still be ordered, price £4 plus postage, by clicking here