It is the first time this season that the Saints will have played a midweek match, and Mallinder has made minimal changes to his 24-man match day squad.

Half-backs Johnny Howard and Carlos Spencer have both been rested while Paul Tupai has not recovered from the knock he took on Saturday. Prop Euan Murray has returned to international duty with Scotland ahead of this weekend’s Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield.

Into the squad come Ian Vass, David Smith, Chris Budgen and Senior Academy lock James Cannon, who has been called into a Saints squad for the first time.

“Playing two games in a short space of time challenges any side,” said Mallinder. “After such a good win against Rotherham plenty of people outside the club might assume that we will be taking it easy tonight. But I can assure our supporters that this is not the case.

“Promotion is not guaranteed until the league is won, and mathematically we are not certain yet. Until then we will be approaching every game in the same way, with total focus and complete respect for the opposition.

“It wasn’t that long ago that Launceston strung together a good series of wins. Since then they have added quality to their squad in Gavin Quinnell and Tim Collier, both of whom have recent Premiership experience. Tony Roques and Neil Clark have also proven themselves in the top flight and they, and the other Launceston players, will like nothing better than to end our unbeaten run.”

Tonight’s man in the middle is Llyr Apgeraint Roberts, who ran the line at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday afternoon.

There are still tickets available for tonight’s game, costing £13 (adults), £10 (concessions) and £2 (juniors). Book by calling the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000 or order online through the club’s official website. The club would appreciate if tickets could be ordered in advance where possible to minimise queuing.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY LAUNCESTON
National League One
Franklin’s Gardens; Tuesday, March 4th, 2008; kick-off 8pm
Backs:
Joe Ansbro, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Barry Everitt, Will Harries, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, David Smith, Neil Starling, Ian Vass.

Forwards:
Chris Budgen, James Cannon, Mark Easter, Darren Fox, Dylan Hartley, Phil Hoy, Ben Lewitt, Matt Lord, Alex Rae, Paul Shields, Tom Smith, Barry Stewart, Soane Tonga’uiha.