Northampton v Southend preview

Team news for Saturday's League Two clash between Northampton and Southend at Sixfields.

Arron Davies is a major doubt for Northampton as they look to make it two wins on the spin against Southend.

The Welsh midfielder missed the 2-1 win at Morecambe with a groin injury and is unlikely to be risked against the Shrimpers.

Last weekend's triumph at the Globe Arena was the Cobblers' first victory under manager Aidy Boothroyd and he has been boosted by full-back Jason Crowe signing a new deal until the end of the season.

Boothroyd has seen an improvement in performances in recent weeks and he is keen for that to continue, telling the club's official website: "I think the last couple of results and the last four performances, I've been pleased.

"We've always been in the game, we've always done enough to give the opposition problems and we've started to concede less goals. We haven't had a clean sheet yet which is something I'm looking to do in the next few games."

Shane Higgs and Nana Ofori-Twumasi will both continue to miss out with long-term Achilles and knee injuries respectively.

Meanwhile, Jack Sampson could make his debut for Southend.

The striker, 18, signed a month-long loan deal from Bolton on Thursday and goes straight into contention for his Shrimpers bow at Sixfields.

Fellow forward Elliot Benyon turned his ankle in last Saturday's 3-0 victory over Port Vale and missed training over the first half of this week before returning on Thursday, with the January signing set to be assessed ahead of the weekend.

Glenn Morris dislocated the little finger on his left hand during the second half against Vale, with the goalkeeper having it put back in place on the pitch before completing the remainder of the encounter.

And despite requiring protective strapping to the area, he is expected to be okay to feature as second-top meets second-bottom in npower League Two.