Cobblers boss Keith Curle says he has some selection decisions to consider ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burton Albion.
“There were a few players who didn’t make the eighteen on Tuesday and sometimes you need to give players a complete rest,” he said.
“Players sometimes need that complete rest and even missing out on the build-up allows you to get that rest both physically and mentally."
Chris Lines and Shaun McWilliams both came on in Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy tie with Stevenage and Curle praised their contribution.
“Chris and Shaun both had an impact. They have both been chomping at the bit," he said.
“Shaun’s situation is a bit different and we’ve been very protective of him to make sure we picked the right time for him to come back in.
“Chris showed some good touches and he was back to his old style of being able to carry the ball forward.”