Posh v Middlesbrough Cup Preview
At this stage of the Carling Cup, many higher league teams opt to utilise their younger players or fringe players. However, that won’t be the case at London Road where it should be a full blooded affair when Middlesbrough travel to Peterborough as both teams opt to play near full strength teams.
Peterborough United Team News:
Posh are not expected to make any changes to the line-up that started against Ipswich on Saturday which means a 2nd start for forward Paul Taylor.
Centre back Gabby Zakuani and forward Nicky Ajose are not expected to be fit enough for the match but are looking to be involved in the trip to Brighton on Saturday where Posh come up against their prolific former goalscorer Craig Mackail-Smith.
Player to watch: Grant McCann
Middlesbrough Team News:
Scott McDonald was withdrawn at half-time on Saturday with a hamstring injury. He will miss the tie.
Justin Hoyte aggravated a thigh strain in the win at Barnsley last Tuesday and missed Saturday’s Riverside victory.
Boro will be without Merouane Zemmama, who is likely to be out until the middle of September after damaging a hip muscle during the 3-0 Carling Cup first round win at Walsall.
Kevin Thomson will also be missing following surgery on his ankle and leg, although he is expected to return by the end of September.
Player to watch: Marvin Emnes
Match Facts & Stats
THE two sides will meet for only the 14th time in all competitions, Boro having won six games and Posh two, leaving five draws.
Including replays, the game will be the sides’ sixth match in this competition. Boro have progressed twice before and Peterborough just the once.
The Carling Cup first round ties saw Boro dispose of Walsall 3-0 and Peterborough beat Stevenage 4-3, but only after extra-time that included a 120th-minute winning penalty from Lee Tomlin.
Boro have only ever won once at London Road, back in the promotion season of 1966/67, in what was their first ever game against Posh, a 2-1 victory securing the two points.
Head-to-Head
Last six meetings at London Road
2009/10 – Championship
28-11-2009: Posh 2-2 Boro
1993/94 – Division One
12-02-1994: Posh 1-0 Boro
1991/92 – League Cup round five
08-01-1992: Posh 0-0 Boro
1978/79 – League Cup round two
05-09-1978: Posh 1-0 Boro
1974/75 – FA Cup round five
15-02-1975: Posh 1-1 Boro
1966/67 – Division Three
22-04-1967: Posh 1-2 Boro
The match is played to a finish tonight with extra time and penalties available if required.
The draw for the third round of the Carling Cup takes place live on Sky Sports on Saturday.
Tonight`s cup tie is a category C fixture meaning adult admission prices are reduced to £20 (seats) and £15 (terrace).
Students and senior citizens can gain entrance for just £11 anywhere in the ground. It`s £8 for juniors under 16 and £5 in the family stand.
Ref Watch:
Philip Gibbs, West Midlands
An assistant head teacher in Birmingham, Mr Gibbs showed eight yellow cards in the game between Brighton and Blackpool on Saturday.
In four games this season, Mr Gibbs has shown 15 yellow and one red card. This is second game in this competition, having overseen Hereford’s passage over Brentford in the first round.
Vital Posh:
Vital Peterborough on:
Join Vital Peterborough
It’s easy to REGISTER HERE, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!