Peterborough United return to London Road on the back of a midweek defeat against Cardiff, in what is a must win game against fellow strugglers Bristol City.
Peterborough United -Vs- Bristol City
Venue: London Road
Date: 18th February, 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
The Posh won 2-1 away at Bristol City earlier in the season; they will be looking for a repeat performance on Saturday.
The Robins come to London Road on the back of a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, however, they are in 21st in the Championship, and will be involved in the relegation battle, with Posh, from now until the end of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Peterborough United
Posh centre back Gaby Zakuani put on Twitter that he may have to have an operation, which would mean his season would be over. But the fearless centre back has since then told Darren Ferguson that he wants to play in Saturday`s game! So Fergie has a decision to make.
Darren Ferguson has also announced that he has considered changing goalkeeper for the game against the Robins, with Paul Jones the man that could play between the sticks. This will see Joe Lewis drop to the subs bench.
Tommy Rowe picked up a knock in midweek against Cardiff, so the midfielder could face a late fitness test, before the game, that will decide whether he will play or not.
Midfielder Daniel Kearns has not featured for a few weeks now, but he could return to at least the substitutes bench for this game. But if Rowe is fit, the midfield could be very predictable, with Grant McCann, Lee Frecklington, Tommy Rowe and George Boyd all taking their places in the diamond formation.
Forward Emile Sinclair came on against Cardiff in midweek, and caused a few problems to the Bluebirds backline, however it is likely that Paul Taylor and David Ball will once again start up front for the Posh. This will see Sinclair and Lee Tomlin on the substitutes bench.
Vital Posh predicts the starting line-up could be:
Jones
Alcock, Bennett, Zakuani, Briggs
McCann
Frecklington Rowe
Boyd
Taylor, Ball
Bristol City
Midfielder Cole Skuse will not play a part in the fixture, as he is out with a broken, and dislocated toe, suffered against Crystal Palace in midweek.
Centre-back Louis Carey is still out with a calf problem, while midfielder Kalifa Cisse is a doubt due to a knee injury.
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Posh centre back commented about his injury problem: ‘The key is the fact that the injury won’t be made any worse by playing. The manager thinks I’m mad!’
Bristol City Boss Derek McInnes has predicted an open affair: ‘We know what to expect from them. They’ve proven tough opponents in the past for ourselves and others in the league.
They’ll be hurting from their last few results and I’m sure they’ll want to get back on track.
We want to go and impose ourselves on the game. We’re the away team and need to improve our form on the road.’
STATS & FACTS
Bristol City have won 22 and lost 12 of their games against Peterborough over the years, with 6 ending in draws
Bristol City have won their last 4 visits at London Road, and they haven`t lost here since 2001.
The Robins` 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace was their first point in 4 matches, but they`ve lost their last 3 away from home.
Head to Head statistics between these two teams can be found HERE.
A form guide to The Robins and Posh can be found HERE.
HOTSHOTS
Peterborough United
8 – McCann
8 – Taylor
7 – Sinclair
5 – Tomlin
5 – Frecklington
5 – Boyd
Bristol City
5 – Pitman
5 – Adomah
2 – Elliot
2 – Pearson
PREDICTION
Posh picked up a deserved win at Ashton Gate earlier this season, and will be hoping to either repeat, or better that result this time out
This should be an open game, and could have a few goals, as neither of the teams defences look overly convincing!
Vital Posh predicts an open game ending in a deserved 4 – 2 win.
REFEREE
David PHILLIPS takes charge of this clash. He has refereed four Championship games so far this season, showing 8 yellow cards and one red card.
He will be assisted by Mark Scholes and Lee Betts.
The fourth official is Gavin Muge.
UP THE POSH Follow me on Twitter: @TommLeaa
Photos/images courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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