Peterborough United travel to Selhurst Park on the back of a 1-1 draw at Doncaster. The Posh will be hoping for another 3 points on the road to the 50 point target Darren Ferguson has set.
Crystal Palace -Vs- Peterborough United
Venue: Selhurst Park
Date: 3rd March 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
The Posh beat Palace 2-1 on the first day of the season at London Road. They will be hoping for a repeat of that result this time out.
The Posh travel to Selhurst Park after snatching a late point at Doncaster last weekend. Palace come into the fixture in good form, as they managed to hold second placed West Ham to a 0-0 draw at Upton Park. They are now unbeaten in 5.
TEAM NEWS
Peterborough United
The Posh don`t have any new injury worries ahead of the game at Selhurst Park. However, Ryan Bennett has left the club for Premiership side Norwich, which leaves Darren Ferguson with a problem at centre back. Ferguson`s only recognised centre back is Gaby Zakuani, as Shaun Brisley has been struggling to adapt to the pace of the Championship. But Posh welcome back Craig Alcock, so he could fill in a centre back, with Mark Little and Matthew Briggs continuing at right and left back respectively.
Manchester United loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe has returned to his parent club as his loan spell at the club ended. This will see the likes of Joe Newell and Daniel Kearns continue on the substitutes bench.
Ferguson could decide to start with record signing Tyrone Barnett, after impressing, and scoring on his debut against Doncaster. He then has a choice of Lee Tomlin, Paul Taylor, David Ball and Emile Sinclair, as to who partners him up front.
Vital Posh predicts the starting line-up could be:
Jones
Little, Alcock, Zakuani, Briggs
McCann
Taylor Frecklington
Boyd
Barnett, Ball
Crystal Palace
Palace will be without young right back Nathaniel Clyne, so on loan defender Paul McShane will deputise.
Forwards Glenn Murray and Sean Scannell could start after returning from injuries suffered against West Ham last weekend.
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
‘I have some difficult decisions to make in terms of formation and personnel in attack. We haven’t had a settled strike partnership all season and it is a case of tinkering in that area to try and find the best pairing. Tyrone’s arrival has given us a lot more options as he offers something completely different to the other players here,’ Ferguson said to www.theposh.com.
‘The way I see it as that they need to enjoying winning, enjoy success and enjoy beating teams. That’s what I want them to do, the staff to do and the whole club to do. It’s been a fantastic season so far in terms of our profile, live TV games and people outside the club seeing us play. We’ve done well this season so I want the lads to really enjoy it and play with freedom. For the last two or three seasons we’ve been in relegation battles or administration so it’s been hard work. When I say enjoyment I don’t mean take their foot of the pedal I mean enjoy winning games and what they’ve been working hard for.’ Dougie Freedman said.
STATS & FACTS
Posh midfielder George Boyd is set to make his 250th appearance for the Posh.
Posh haven`t won an away game in 5 games, while Palace are unbeaten in 5.
Head to Head statistics between these two teams can be found HERE.
A form guide to Palace and Posh can be found HERE.
HOTSHOTS
Peterborough United
14 – Barnett
8 – McCann
8 – Taylor
8 – Tomlin
7 – Sinclair
5 – Frecklington
5 – Boyd
Crystal Palace
7 – Zaha
6 – Ambrose
6 – Murray
PREDICTION
The Posh came from behind to beat Palace 2-1 on the opening game of the season, but since then Crystal Palace have beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford!
Vital Posh predicts a tight game ending in a narrow 2 – 1 win.
REFEREE
Scott MATHIESON takes charge of this clash. He has officiated 30 matches so far this season, 12 of them in the Championship.
Last time Mathieson refereed Posh, they went down 3-2 to Huddersfield in a League Trophy North game in October 2010. There was one yellow card in that game, awarded to Posh`s injured striker Dave Hibbert.
He will be assisted by Lee Betts and William Bull.
The fourth official is Gary Jerden.
UP THE POSH Follow me on Twitter: @TommLeaa
Photos/images courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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