Timing of newfound Northampton Town quality crucial ahead of Cambridge United | OneFootball

Cobblers can't afford to underestimate the visitors.

Northampton Town have found some solid defensive form heading into a clash with Cambridge United at Sixfields this weekend.

This is despite losing more players to injury, especially in defensive areas. Centre-backs Jack Baldwin and Tyler Magloire were added to the absentee list in Cobblers' 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, yet Jon Brady's side managed to keep a prized clean sheet in another draw at Blackpool the following weekend.

Cobblers shot-stopper Lee Burge has kept three clean sheets in his last six games instead of one in nine to start the season, despite the defensive line in front of him being much less settled.

Northampton's makeshift defence has impressed

Surprisingly, Northampton's improved defensive form over the last six games has come amidst mounting backline injuries.

After shutting Leyton Orient and Crawley Town out at home in two vital games, Brady's side backed up their performances by limiting Birmingham to only one goal at St. Andrew's and most recently prevented Blackpool from scoring in a 0-0 draw.

Cobblers were also harshly denied a clean sheet away at Stockport. Referee Jacob Miles gave the hosts a baffling penalty late in the contest, a decision that the EFL referees chief, Mike Jones, has since apologised for.

Amidst their recently improved defensive stability, Town have been without centre-back Jordan Willis throughout and recently lost both Magloire and Baldwin at St. Andrew's.

The depth at full-back has arguably suffered more. Cobblers have lost Aaron McGowan, Patrick Brough, Ali Koiki, and Luke Mbete while Harvey Lintott remains out having undergone surgery in the summer.

However, the makeshift backline has been impressive with new signings Nesta Guinness-Walker and TJ Eyoma slotting in seamlessly so far alongside mainstays Jon Guthrie and Akin Odimayo.

Cobblers must not underestimate Cambridge

Brady will be calling on his side's newfound stability once more when Cobblers face Cambridge United on Saturday.

Despite Cambridge sitting six points below Northampton, in the relegation zone and visiting Sixfields, where they have won two on the bounce, they cannot be underestimated.

The U's have recovered from a dreadful start to the season in recent weeks, taking 10 points from their last five in the league, scoring seven goals, so Cobblers must be stringent in their preparation.

Cambridge's recent spell includes big wins over Burton Albion, Stevenage, and Wigan Athletic, keeping a clean sheet on all three occasions as well as a 1-1 draw with Barnsley.

However, the last time they hit the road in League One they were embarrassed by local rivals Peterborough United in a 6-1 Cambridgeshire derby demolition at the Weston Homes Stadium. Cobblers should take inspiration from how Posh unlocked the U's if they want to get back into the win column this weekend.

Cambridge present threats of their own, however. Elias Kachunga is an experienced option they can call on up front alongside Jordan Cousins and Korey Smith in midfield.

Dan Nlundulu will be a handful for the Cobblers' makeshift rearguard, but having held Birmingham's Jay Stansfield and Alfie May to only one goal a fortnight ago and Blackpool to no goals, they should head into the contest full of confidence.

A win on Saturday could take Cobblers as high as 13th in League One, a favourable position considering their trials and tribulations, especially on the injury front so far this season.