Sampson told BBC Radio Northampton: "We will take risks. If [Akinfenwa] says that he wants to play, we'll give him the opportunity.
"Thornton isn't match fit, but we need the results so maybe it's time to take a gamble."
Town will be without defender Craig Hinton for one match, and midfielder Luke Guttridge for three, after their red cards against Rotherham.
The Cobblers lie two points outside the League Two play-offs, with four matches to play but are without a win in their last three.
"There was pressure when we were 20th and looking at going out of the league," said Sampson.
"This pressure is easy to handle. If we can keep playing well then we'll be happy."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport