New signings Mark Hughes and Kenny Deuchar are available to make their Northampton debuts against Crewe.
Boss Stuart Gray signed Hughes from Everton as a replacement for the departed Luke Chambers and the 20-year-old should slot straight into the back four.
Hughes' arrival becomes more timely as defensive duo Brett Johnson and Pedj Bojic are both struggling to make the game.
Johnson missed the Oldham clash with a hamstring problem, while Bojic is suffering from a groin injury.
With on-loan striker Jordan Robertson scoring on his debut last week, Deuchar may well come in for James Quinn.
The Northern Ireland forward took a knock to the ribs in last Sunday's defeat to Oldham and is a slight doubt for the visit of the struggling Railwaymen.
New signing Danny Woodards goes straight into the Crewe squad.
The full-back has signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Exeter and could come straight into the side.
Alex boss Dario Gradi will be without Tony Grant and Lee Bell, who have mutually agreed to terminate their deals to join Accrington and Burton respectively.
Gradi has no fresh injury concerns with striker Nicky Maynard still out with a hamstring problem.
Fellow forward Rodney Jack remains on the sidelines with a calf injury, while midfielder Ben Rix is struggling with a hernia problem.
Defender Jon Otsemobor (groin) and midfielder Gary Roberts (hamstring) came through the 3-3 draw with Doncaster in midweek and will be available.