Jon Brady's men are currently fourth, one point behind Exeter City in third and three adrift of second-placed Tranmere Rovers who have played two games more. How many points does it usually take to finish in the top three? What about the play-offs? We have looked back over the last 10 years (excluding the COVID-shortened 2019/20 season) to find out....
9. 2018/19
1st: 85 (Lincoln). 2nd: 79. 3rd: 79. Final play-off spot: 71.
10. 2020/21
1st: 82 (Cheltenham). 2nd: 80. 3rd: 79. Final play-off spot: 73
11. Average for each position
1st: 89. 2nd: 84. 3rd: 82. Final play-off spot: 71.
12. What does this mean for the Cobblers?
Points Cobblers would need from their final 16 games to finish in each position based on the last 10 years - 1st: 37 (likely to need much more given Forest Green's form). 2nd: 32. 3rd: 30. Final play-off spot: 19.