Cobblers boss Keith Curle previews Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup second round tie at Bristol City.
“We need to make them uncomfortable and make them compete with us how we like to play,” he said.
“They are a top Championship club and they have better players than us if we let them play, they will cause us problems and we will have to deal with that.
“I’ve got very fond memories of my time at Bristol City, I learnt some valuable lessons there, not only football but in life as well. I’ve still got a massive affiliation to the city, it’s my hometown and the set up at Ashton Gate is phenomenal.
“They are one step away from achieving a massive goal and everything is in place for them to get into the Premier League.
“The lads showed very good character on Saturday, we have created an environment here where the players look at everything as a challenge and I was impressed and pleased with the mentality they showed on Saturday."