Northampton boss Kevin Nolan hopes a win over rivals Peterborough in the Nene derby could be a «season-changer» for his struggling side.
The Cobblers host Posh on Saturday (12:30 GMT) seeking revenge for their 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture in December and bidding for three points which could potentially move them out of the League One relegation zone.
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«Hopefully it can be one that gets our season back up and running. The fans love the derbies as it gives you the bragging rights for everything moving forward,» Nolan said.
«I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it’s a season-changer. We all knew it would be a tough season, we’ve got to change that by winning games. Winning games is the most important thing.»
Northampton are 22nd in the table following Tuesday’s home defeat by bottom club Port Vale.
They have gone four games without a win, losing their past three, but are within striking distance of the teams above them outside the drop zone.
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Nolan said the mood in the camp was «very good» and they had to «keep believing».
«I’ve been in these situations before and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. You’ve got to have thick skin to be a manager and a player, you’ve got to be able to handle those pressure moments. These lads will come out fighting,» he told BBC Radio Northampton.
«It’s quite easy to get up and walk when things get tough but that’s not what I do, I walk into the fire, I don’t walk away from it.»
Peterborough manager Luke Williams is aiming to do the double over the Cobblers as his side continue to push for a surprise play-off spot.
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Posh were bottom of League One, five points adrift of safety, when the former Swansea City boss arrived in October. They now sit 12th in the table, seven points off the top six.
«We’re really pumped for the game, we know it’s going to be a good atmosphere. It’s something that’s really important to us because we want to give our fans that lovely feeling so we can’t wait,» Williams told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
«If you’re top, middle or bottom it doesn’t matter because there is always something extra about a derby game. I don’t think league position and current form really plays too much into this fixture, it’s more how you deal with it on the day.
«You have to give everything on the pitch to get that result so you can enjoy the spoils.»
