Chris Wilder and his squad have enjoyed a very smooth pre-season, performing well against two Championship sides in Derby County and Birmingham City, bedding in their early summer signings and adding a trio of players to their squad in the final few days of preparation.
Ivan Toney still looks set to complete his move to Newcastle United but that should not affect the manager’s plans too much with the recent capture of Sam Hoskins adding to his options in support of Marc Richards up front.
The full-back areas also look stronger than last season although the Cobblers do start the season with two relatively inexperienced goalkeepers jostling for the number one position.
Opening day opponents Bristol Rovers should still be carrying some of the momentum from their Wembley win against Grimsby Town which secured an immediate return to the Football League.
Manager Darrell Clarke has been finalising his plans this week, snapping up Billy Bodin on a short-term deal up front and adding winger Jeffrey Monakana on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
He looks set to feature on the right-hand side, complementing Cristian Montano on the opposite flank. Rovers will also look to continue their defensive strength from last season when they conceded by far the fewest number of goals in the Conference at just 34 from 46 games.