OXFORD United’s visit to Sixfields is “huge” for a Northampton Town side who are looking to secure their safety from relegation, according to assistant boss David Kerslake.
The Cobblers have an eight-point cushion on the bottom four in Sky Bet League One, but require one more win to guarantee their status.
And Justin Edinburgh’s No 2 is keen to end any lingering doubts as quickly as possible so they can get on with building for next season.
Kerslake told the Northampton Chronicle: “This is a huge game for us, as we still need the points on the board until we are mathematically safe.
“Every game has to be played like a cup final if you like, so we need to get in a safe position.”
Clashes between the two clubs have been fiery occasions in recent seasons and Kerslake is not expecting anything different tomorrow.
He said: “There is a little bit of extra spice.
“Hopefully that will make our fans even more vocal than they have been and it should be a good one to watch.”
United will be backed by a sold-out away end and supporters have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys.
Northampton Saints are hosting Leicester Tigers in rugby’s Aviva Premiership at Franklin’s Gardens a mile away, which also kicks off at 3pm.
Roadworks on surrounding roads and a circus will add to the congestion.
A minute’s silence will be observed before the game as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in the terrorist attack in London on Wednesday.
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