Hot on the heals of former Posh striker Craig Mackail-Smith coming up against his old team, his former Posh striking partner visits their old stomping ground with Hull City as Aaron McLean returns to London Road for the first time since leaving at the start of last season.
The former fans favourite may not make the starting line-up after Hull swooped for Leicester`s Martyn Waghorn on loan. Another player Posh fans will recognise is defender James Chester who previously spent time on loan at Posh.
The last time these two teams met in the League at London Road was 7 years ago when Hull came out victors following a 3-2 win. That season saw Hull promoted from League One while Posh went in the opposite direction as they were relegated.
Posh are certainly hoping that fortunes have changed compared to the last time they met and will be looking to continue their unbeaten League run at home this season. After winning both their League games at home so far, Posh have two consecutive home games which, if they won both, would go a long way to reaching their goal of staying in the Championship.
Ferguson said: “We have been competitive in every game so far and could easily have got something out of all of them, but I wouldn`t say our start has been any better than average.
It would have been good had we not lost at Brighton in our last game. Being beaten there was a big disappointment given I thought we could go there and win.
I feel we have come on a lot since losing to them last season and put it down as an opportunity that slipped through our grasp.
Hopefully we can put that behind us by continuing our good form at home in the next couple of games.
By next Saturday night we could be talking about a terrific start if things go our way or a poor one if they don`t. That is how fine the margins are at this level.”.
Vital Quotes:
POSH
‘I have a lot of time for Nigel Pearson and his staff at Hull City, they play football the right way and have brought in some good young players, following the example of other clubs like ourselves. It will be nice to see Aaron Mclean again and I will shake his hand afterwards, as long as he has done us no damage in the game,’ Ferguson said.
HULL
‘Peterborough have had a good start, they’ve been competitive and they’ve already had one very high-scoring game at home,’ said Pearson.
‘We know the type of opposition that they are and they will always throw everything at you, so you have to be good enough to deal with that side of their game.
‘They mix the game up pretty well and they have some good players. They play with a lot of energy and at a very high tempo.
‘Having said that, we have to be harder to beat than we were the last time we went on the road and we know we have to have more of a goal threat.’
Peterborough United Team News:
Ferguson confirmed Paul Jones will retain his place in the Posh goal despite Joe Lewis` return to full fitness.
“There is no decision to make in terms of who plays in goal this weekend, Paul has done very well.’. added Ferguson.
Centre-back Gaby Zakuani is also fit while George Boyd, who picked up a calf injury during the Brighton game, took part in training during the week.
New signings Emile Sinclair and Daniel Kearns had impressive debuts in Mondays friendly win over St Albans and are competing for places along with on-loan Ben Gordon who also impressed at left-back at St Albans and could earn his first League start since signing on loan.
Player to watch: Paul Taylor
Since arriving on the scene, Paul Taylor has impressed the Posh fans but he will need to be on his toes with new signing Emile Sinclair plus Nicky Ajose, who’s returning from injury, will be pushing him hard for his place.
Hull City Team News:
Loan signing Martyn Waghorn is hoping to make his full debut for the Tigers following his recent arrival from Leicester.
Paul McShane (calf) and winger Cameron Stewart (knee) are long-term absentees.
Player to watch: Aaron McLean
The return to London Road of former Posh star striker Aaron McLean, makes him the obvious player to watch.
Match Facts & Stats
Posh have the upper hand in the 32 games they’ve played against Hull.
Posh Wins = 16
Draws = 8
Hull Wins = 8
Ref Watch:
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
Assistant Referee`s: Mark Howes and Geoffrey Russell
Fourth Official: Geoff Law
Match Prediction:
It will be a close affair with just a goal in it.
I think it will be 2-1 but I’m not too sure who will sneak the win!
Next Fixtures:
npower Championship – Saturday, 17th September, 2011
Peterborough v Burnley
Hull v Portsmouth
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