While Town left Newcastle's St James' Park on Tuesday night with their heads held high despite a 4-1 defeat, previous losses against Barnet and Plymouth Argyle highlighted the work that still needs to be done to make Chris Wilder's side promotion contenders.
Saturday's opponents have a point less than Northampton from their four games to date but each match has been characterised by its closeness.
Accrington have had two 1-1 draws, a 1-0 victory and a defeat by the same margin so far with midfielder Matt Crooks having netted two of their three goals scored.
Manager John Coleman believes the 21-year-old could have a big future and told BBC Radio Lancashire recently: "There are just a couple of things he could iron out of his game and he'd be a millionaire, because there are millionaires who haven't got his talent or his physique."
Head-To-Head: Stanley v Town
For Northampton, Zander Diamond is an injury doubt after missing the Newcastle clash with a dead leg while Ricky Holmes is unlikely to feature but Josh Lelan is available again after suspension.