A look ahead to Saturday's opening league game with Bristol Rovers.
Peterborough United open their Sky Bet League One account at the ABAX Stadium against Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon (3pm) following a pre-season which has seen Steve Evans’ men net 30 goals over the course of the nine fixtures.
A 9-0 victory over local side Peterborough Sports was the highlight in terms of margin of victory, but the performance against Portuguese top flight side Maritimo during the week-long stay in Portugal was encouraging despite the 1-0 defeat.
Saturday’s opponents Bristol Rovers have had a mixed bag when it comes to their pre-season results. A heavy home defeat to rivals Exeter City didn’t sit well with supporters and like Posh, they will be looking to strengthen their squad in a number of areas ahead of the deadline on the 9th August with both teams in the market for a striker.
The Pirates sold Ellis Harrison to Ipswich Town for a reported £750,000 while Rory Gaffney joined big spending National League side Salford City. Former Posh front man Tom Nichols could well be given a central striking role after spending most of last term in a wide area for Darrell Clarke’s men.
FROM THE GAFFER
“All by Adam King, who suffered an injury inside two minutes against Bedford following a bad tackle, have come through pre-season unscathed. We haven’t had any muscle injuries or soft tissue issues so that suggests behind the scenes we have been doing things properly. The lads are in good condition and we will be ready for Bristol Rovers.
“I have a lot of respect for the manager Darrell Clarke. I know him well from his time at Salisbury and I was at Crawley. It will be a tough introduction to the season, but I don’t think there will be a game anywhere in the country that will be easy, unless you are 4-0 up with a couple of minutes to play! We need the Posh supporters to believe in the new group. There will be some inconsistencies, we accept that but let’s be consistent on Saturday, get three points and start the season well,” Evans said.
FROM THE OPPOSITION
“I look at it, as a manager, and we have to adapt, that's our jobs, we're in the firing line, but I look at it for me, I have a fanbase, a big fanbase that wants Championship football and a manager that wants Championship football. We haven't got the facilities to do that and we haven't got the playing budget to do that, so we just have to pull together.
"We're still a backs-to-the-wall football club which, in a way, I love about the football club as well, so we'll keep going, keep fighting and make sure we achieve on the pitch,” Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke said in the media this week.
TICKET NEWS
Posh supporters are advised that buying tickets in advance for the game will save you money. You can buy tickets right now at www.theposhtickets.com, via the Ticketmaster hotline 0844 847 1934 (calls cost 7ppm plus your network access fee) and in person at the ABAX Stadium Box Office. Saturday’s game is a Category A fixture and full prices can be found here: https://www.theposh.com/tickets/home-tickets/
The game is all-ticket for away fans.
FAN ZONE
The popular fan zone returns for Saturday’s game with plenty of fun for all the family. The FootDart board, FootPool and the Speed Kick machine will be in operation and the Mobile Bar will be open. Weather permitting, we will also be joined by Frank’s Ice Cream van and we are working hard to get a DJ. Peter Burrow will be making an appearance too! The fan zone opens from 1pm and is situated close to the Ticket Office.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
The new-look match day programme will be available around the ground and in the Club Shop priced at £3 and features the thoughts of manager Steve Evans, an in-depth interview with Siriki Dembele and an introduction to the new signings.
MATCH DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Ahead of kick-off there will be a performance from the Mick George Cheerleaders, who will also perform during the half-time interval. At half-time, the Skip challenge returns and the Peeby penalty shoot-out will also take place.
PARKING
Supporters are advised that there is limited parking close to the stadium. There are a number of pay and display car parks within a small radius of the stadium and you can find out more here: https://www.theposh.com/tickets/match-day-information/
REFEREE
Saturday’s match referee is John Busby.