What the Stats Say...Northampton

Strugglers Northampton Town are the next visitors to the Kassam, and with new manager Aidy Boothroyd at the helm they may be confident of getting a result against an out of form Us side. However, as Matt Peck reveals, the stats show that they will have a tough task on their hands, as Oxford seek to banish memories of our last home match, which ended in defeat to Cheltenham Town.

THE NUMBERS

Form (League)

Oxford: WLLLD (4 pts)

Northampton Town: DLLLD (2 pts)

Times played (at Oxford): 7

Wins

Oxford: 5

Northampton Town: 2

Draws: 0

Goals

Oxford: 13

Northampton Town: 7

Last league Result (At Oxford): (23 October 2010)

Oxford United 3 v 1 Northampton Town

Potter (4’)                  McKenzie(16’)

Payne (45’)

Craddock (90’) P

OTHER STATS

Despite only playing in the league 7 times at Oxford, the history between the clubs stretches back to the 1960s, the first game at Oxford between the two in the Football League ending with a 1-0 win to the U’s in 1968. 9 years later they met again where another 1-0 gave Oxford all the points. It would be some 24 years after that meeting before they would play again (in the league).

Despite a string of poor results, Oxford still have the best first half record in the league. In contrast, they have one of the worst second half records. The statistics show that Northampton has a much better second half display so a game of two halves is very much a possibility!

Oxford and Northampton have never lost if they are leading at Half Time. Whichever team has the better first half will, statistically, be more likely to go and win. This coupled with the previous statistic puts Oxford as favourites, based on half by half analysis.

Oxford have only lost once to bottom half opposition, which was the 3-1 defeat to Crewe. Northampton have yet to beat top half opposition, so a real opportunity for the Cobblers on Saturday. 

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