Tim Stoodley looks ahead to Saturday's trip to the Valley.
Posh head to East London this Saturday as they face up to Charlton Athletic in Sky Bet League One action (3pm). The tie sees McCann's men lock horns with former MK Dons head honcho Karl Robinson and his mid-table side.
The Addicks are adjusting to life under their new gaffer and head into the game on the back of a 3-1 extra time defeat against MK Dons. That game went the full 120 minutes before the Dons prevailed.
Interestingly Karl Robinson has a trio of matches against his former team in December with the clubs needing a two-legged FA Cup tie and a league match to come on Boxing Day. Since his arrival though, the Addicks have reverted from a 4-5-1 formation to a more attacking and direct line-up, although injuries and a squad illness has pivoted an established starting eleven.
Addicks winger Ademola Lookman is one of the most highly-rated players in the division. Unaffected by the squad illness, Lookman has lit-up The Valley this campaign and Charlton will do well to keep hold of the 19 year-old in January. He's the clubs top scorer and has rightly earned the acclaim of the fans with his creative, mature and well-oiled style of play.
Josh Magennis is another Charlton player to watch, the number nine has netted five times for his side and at 26, is slightly more experienced than some of his team mates. Magennis's strike partner is a familiar name to Posh as former front-man Nicky Ajose lines up alongside Magennis. Ajose has been in tasty form himself this season, having notched five goals.
The two sides last met in the league back in the Championship in the 2012/13 season. Charlton winning one and drawing the other in that campaign. More recently, and the last meeting between the two sides came in the League Cup in August of 2015, when Charlton thumped 'Boro 4-1 at the Abax Stadium. Jermaine Anderson with the solitary Posh goal on that occasion.
Overall and the clubs have actually only met a surprising 17 times, with the Addicks hosting the better record of 9 wins to Peterborough's 4. Interestingly, Charlton have beaten Posh 5-1 on three separate occasions, with Posh only managing to register a win greater than two goals on just one instance, way back in 1975, when they were 3-0 winners in the FA Cup.
The referee for this game is Charles Breakspear, who officiated Posh as recently as November, when he took charge of Peterborough's 2-0 defeat to league leaders Scunthorpe. He cautioned three Posh players on that occasion.
Charlton Athletic's home, The Valley, is one of the countries great traditional stadiums, with the 27,111 all-seated improved as recently as 2002, when the large North Stand became a two-tiered affair. Poshies will enjoy their away day for this one, with the train station being only a short walk away and a number of local pubs being within touching distance of said train station. The only thing of note is that parking around the ground is permit only, so supporters are advised to make parking arrangements prior to travel. Fans using the train station, and wishing to quench their thirst, should head to The Antigallican, near to the station. This is a traditional pub, which welcomes away fans, and even boasts filled rolls and pork pies amongst its bar menu.
Posh remain without Jermaine Anderson and Jack Baldwin for this one. Marcus Maddison is touch-and-go as he looks to recover from a knock. Bradden Inman will be hoping to clock more minutes after his late substitute appearance last weekend, in his quest to return from injury. Lee Angol remains suspended, limiting Grant McCann's attacking options.
The key figures:
League positions; Charlton Athletic - 11th Peterborough United - 6th
Last five; Charlton Athletic - WDDDL Peterborough United - WWLDW
Previous meeting; 25/08/2015 (Capital One Cup) - Peterborough United 1-4 Charlton Athletic
Average attendances (2015/16); Charlton Athletic - 15,632 Peterborough United - 5,447
Top Scorer; Charlton Athletic - Ademola Lookman (6) Peterborough United - Tom Nichols (8)
Interesting fact: Jonjo Shelvey was the youngest player to ever play for The Addicts. His appearance at 16 years and 59 days means the Newcastle stalwart has secured his place in the Athletic record books.
Tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance for the trip to Valley, with prices rising by £3 if purchased on the day. In advance tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £16 for 65+ and under 21's, £10 for students and under 18's and £5 for under 11's. Tickets are on sale at www.theposhtickets.com, via the Ticketmaster hotline 0844 847 1934* and in person at the ABAX Stadium Box Office until 3pm on Friday.
*calls cost 7ppm plus your network access fee.