Cobblers 0 Nottingham Forest 2: As it happened

1: Cobblers 4-4-2. Pinnock left, Connolly right. Kabamba and Ashley-Seal lead the line.

0: We’re underway!

Teams are out and we’re almost ready for kick-off.

JB suggested at the weekend that his starting line-up this evening could be somewhere near the XI that takes on Port Vale on the opening day. Few players missing, clearly, but doesn't look far away. Reckon at least nine have a strong chance of starting against Vale.

Just a few minutes until kick-off at Sixfields. Looks like the storm might just miss us. It’s definitely a lot fresher though!

So Ali Koiki is the latest candidate for the left-back slot. 21 years old, most recently played for Bristol Rovers, made 10 league appearances there last season. Also had a loan spell at Swindon. Came through the youth ranks at Burnley.

Meanwhile, last season’s regular left-back, captain Joseph Mills, is out on the pitch and going through some warm-up drills. He can’t be far away from returning.

Koiki is joined by Jay Williams who starts on the bench, but there’s no Josh Debayo. The left-back had spent the last three weeks on trial but he’s not involved this evening, which would suggest he’s no longer with the club, though that hasn’t been confirmed. We’ll get the latest from Jon Brady after full-time.

It’s been a sweltering day in Northampton but we’ve just heard a few rumbles of thunder and the dark clouds are gathering. Wind has also picked up. Could be about to get very wet....

Cobblers: Roberts, McGowan, Guthrie, Horsfall, Koiki, Lewis, Flores, Pinnock, Connolly, Ashley-Seal, Kabamba

Forest: Smith; Gabriel, Worrall, McKenna, Richardson; Yates, Cafu; Lolley, Carvalho, Mighten; Grabban

Cobblers have another new trialist starting tonight - left-back Ali Koiki. 21-year-old is a free agent and last played for Bristol Rovers.