Cobblers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink understands the size of the task facing his side as he previews Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Rovers, currently second in Sky Bet League 1, are unbeaten in their last 16 matches while the Cobblers have won three games on the bounce.
"Of course it's going to be a challenge but it's one we have to take on and try to overcome," he said.
"They are a very good side and they have quality all over the pitch but as a player it should be a challenge you want to take on. We want to keep it competitive, keep it tight and try and take the game to them.
"I know Tony Mowbray really well and he is someone I respect in the game both as a footballer and as a manager. They were always going to be a team up there challenging for promotion this season but you still have to go out there and do it.
"We have got a very good feeling at the moment, it's not about being arrogant and thinking about how good we are but about capitalising on that moment.
"There were a lot of pluses last Saturday but we have also played better at times. I was very pleased with the performance and how things went but we can still improve and we have to keep working hard.
"The atmosphere was really good last Saturday and I liked it. I think it rubbed off on the players and when the atmosphere is like that it definitely gives the players a boost. We want to make it hostile and horrible for teams coming here."