MillersMad Match Thread. Millers v Northampton Town

[Heliosphan78]

We're off to the Sixfields Stadium on Saturday for a 2pm kick off, home of the Cobblers. Let's meet our hosts.

The Boss
Kevin Nolan. Probably better known as a player than a manager right now, his only previous appointment as manager was with Notts County. Since then he coached under David Moyes at West Ham for 4 years, before having a very brief stint in the England U20 set-up. He was appointed Northampton boss on 23/12/2024.

Player(s) to watch
Tyrese Fornah is a midfielder who will be looking to pull the strings for Northampton on Saturday. The 26 year old Sierra Leone international is a former Paul Warne signing and helped Derby win promotion from L1. He played central midfield during his time with Derby but the Cobblers seem to be utilising him in a more advanced role.

Cameron McGeehan is another player to watch. I thought he caused us a few problems when we played them last season. He is joint top scorer with 2 goals.

They played for both clubs
Shaun McWilliams, Matt Crooks, Alex Revell and Tom Eaves. Michael Smith and Peter Kioso both had loan spells with Northampton.

Last 3 Games
Walsall 0 v 1 Northampton (EFL Trophy)
Port Vale 0 v 0 Northampton (L1)
Northampton 2 v 0 Bolton (L1)

Latest Odds
Northampton Win (21/20)
Draw (11/5)
Rotherham Win (5/2)

Recent Meetings

(01/04/2025)
L1 Northampton 0 v 2 Rotherham
Mpanzu, Nombe.

(14/12/2024)
L1 Rotherham 3 v 0 Northampton
Clarke-Harris x2
Green

Summary
There's no doubt that we've got the better of Northampton in recent times. However they're looking like a different proposition this season. Kevin Nolan seems to have really tightened up their defence and they have only conceded 2 goals in their last 8 games in all competitions. They have conceded the joint fewest goals in the league (8). Ironically they've scored the joint fewest (7).

Their last 3 results (above) suggest a team in form. A home win against Bolton and a draw away from home at an improving Port Vale, are good results. An away win at Walsall in the cup is also a notable victory.

In terms of international call ups, Northampton and ourselves have suffered to a similar extent. Neither Ethan Wheatley (striker) or Michael Forbes (centre back) will be available for the Cobblers.

Enjoy the game everyone and UTM.

[RU66]

On sky sports + will be watching. Interesting starting 11 overloaded with midfielders not at centre back.

[Heliosphan78]

Yes when there's an international break SKY put all EFL games on.

[Heliosphan78]

On sky sports + will be watching. Interesting starting 11 overloaded with midfielders not at centre back.

So we need to get our best players on the pitch, in a 451 type formation.

Dawson
Rafferty Baptiste Jules James
Hall Gore Benson McWilliams Powell
Sherif

For me Benson is the best midfielder at the club and when he's fit, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. I think he's that good.

[NorthWestCorner]

So we need to get our best players on the pitch, in a 451 type formation.

Dawson
Rafferty Baptiste Jules James
Hall Gore Benson McWilliams Powell
Sherif

For me Benson is the best midfielder at the club and when he's fit, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. I think he's that good.

Best side but I would start with Etete away from home in the first half. He can hold up the ball better than Sherif and we will need that in the first half. In the second half, Sherif can then come on when the play is stretched.

[RU66]

So we need to get our best players on the pitch, in a 451 type formation.

Dawson
Rafferty Baptiste Jules James
Hall Gore Benson McWilliams Powell
Sherif

For me Benson is the best midfielder at the club and when he's fit, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. I think he's that good.

Go with that apart from Spence for Gore.

[uttis]

I would love to be proved wrong but what bit I?ve seen of Benson hasn?t really impressed me I?m not saying he?s rubbish but he?s been very average and that?s when I?ve seen him, the Blades friendly and a couple of home games plus away games on tv, I know the Barnsley fans were raving about him he can?t be a mug having played in Prem but I just can?t see what he brings to the party, he?s obviously good at set pieces but what?s his position he seemed to be in a front 3 v Bradford alongside Martha(who I am impressed with!) and Hugill is he a midfielder? A no 10? He has no pace that I?ve seen to beat a man and doesn?t get stuck in like say Gore, so I?m very puzzled as to what type of player he is and I don?t think he?d get in regularly IF everyone was fit

[Derbymiller]

I agree with the formation, we need to be hard to beat and get some point on the board. Another result like Wimbledon and Mansfield will put a lot of pressure on the manager, especially as a lot of the players he wanted back are back.
Gut feel is a draw and that is an improvement.

[caytonmiller]

I would love to be proved wrong but what bit I?ve seen of Benson hasn?t really impressed me I?m not saying he?s rubbish but he?s been very average and that?s when I?ve seen him, the Blades friendly and a couple of home games plus away games on tv, I know the Barnsley fans were raving about him he can?t be a mug having played in Prem but I just can?t see what he brings to the party, he?s obviously good at set pieces but what?s his position he seemed to be in a front 3 v Bradford alongside Martha(who I am impressed with!) and Hugill is he a midfielder? A no 10? He has no pace that I?ve seen to beat a man and doesn?t get stuck in like say Gore, so I?m very puzzled as to what type of player he is and I don?t think he?d get in regularly IF everyone was fit

TBF the lad looked class in the game he hobbled off though keeping him fit could be a problem

[Heliosphan78]

I would love to be proved wrong but what bit I?ve seen of Benson hasn?t really impressed me I?m not saying he?s rubbish but he?s been very average and that?s when I?ve seen him, the Blades friendly and a couple of home games plus away games on tv, I know the Barnsley fans were raving about him he can?t be a mug having played in Prem but I just can?t see what he brings to the party, he?s obviously good at set pieces but what?s his position he seemed to be in a front 3 v Bradford alongside Martha(who I am impressed with!) and Hugill is he a midfielder? A no 10? He has no pace that I?ve seen to beat a man and doesn?t get stuck in like say Gore, so I?m very puzzled as to what type of player he is and I don?t think he?d get in regularly IF everyone was fit

It's interesting how we see things differently.

In my view, Benson is a play-maker. I'd have him in an advanced midfield role, orchestrating the attack. I think he looks really good on the ball, he's composed and can pick a pass. Let the likes of Gore and McWilliams scrap for the ball and then get it to Benson, and he'll make things happen. I don't think it's any coincidence that Martha had his best game in a Rotherham shirt with Benson in the team.

We all know his injury record isn't good, but I think I can see why we gambled on him.