Match Preview: Cambridge United v Posh

Read Time: 4 mins

A look ahead to Saturday’s local derby between Cambridge United and Peterborough United (12.30pm).

Peterborough United make the short trip to the Abbey Stadium to face local rivals Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon (12.30pm) in Sky Bet League One action, the first meeting between the two sides in that part of Cambridgeshire in the league since 2001.

Posh beat the U’s 1-0 at the Weston Homes Stadium earlier in the campaign and both sides go into the game on the back of a decent run of form with Darren Ferguson’s men occupying fifth position in the table, while Cambridge picked up a very useful point at Bolton Wanderers last time out to continue their upturn in fortunes.

TEAM NEWS

Posh are waiting on the fitness of young front man Ricky-Jade Jones, who was forced off in the under 21s victory over Barnsley earlier this week with a muscle injury. He was due to undergo a scan on Thursday evening, but he is rated as doubtful for the clash.

Ferguson also reported a number of others players that have knocks and niggles and will leave it late before naming his starting XI. For Mark Bonner’s U’s side, they welcome back attacking midfielder George Thomas to their squad after an ankle injury. Late checks will be made on a couple of U’s men who picked up knocks on Monday, whilst Liam O’Neil is edging closer to a return to action and George Williams is ruled out for at least two weeks owing to a knee injury.

ONE TO WATCH

Sam Smith (pictured below) was the man who earned Cambridge a point against promotion challengers Bolton Wanderers on Easter Monday and he is a front man who has moved into a bit of form in recent weeks. The U’s number 10 offers good movement, is technically impressive and will try and play on the shoulder of the Posh back-line. He could be alongside Joe Ironside, who offers a more physical threat in attack.

Sam Smith

FROM THE GAFFER

“I watched Cambridge a few times at the start of the season when I was on my break and they picked up a lot of good results and you can see why. I expect them to be organised. I expect the game to be a typical derby encounter, we have to do the basics right, we have to make sure we win second balls and we have to play our game. It is three points to play for, like any other game, If we reach the standards we know we can then it gives us a great opportunity to win the game,”
Darren Ferguson said.

You can watch the manager’s pre-match press conference for free on Posh+ here .

TICKET NEWS

The game is sold out for Posh fans with around 1,400 making the trip to the Abbey Stadium. No tickets are available on the day. Please do not travel to the game if you do not have a ticket.

POSH+

Match passes are available to purchase for £10 for domestic and overseas subscribers with audio passes available worldwide for £2.50.

Click here to purchase you Posh+ match pass.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Cambridge are expected to start former Posh promotion-winner Ryan Bennett (pictured below left) at the heart of their defence after he signed a short-term contract at the club in January. Meanwhile, Posh shot-stopper Will Norris made his name for the U’s.

Among the others to have played for both include;

Trevor Benjamin (pictured below centre), Ian Benjamin, Phil Chapple, Robbie Cooke, Hayden Coulson, Micah Hyde, Marc Joseph, Alan Kimble, Garry Kimble, Jon McGlashan, Scott McGleish, Lloyd Opara, Lee Phllpott, Simon Rea, David Rush, Tony Scully, Jon Sheffield, Ciaran Toner, Keith Waugh, Steve Welsh and of course, Chris Turner (pictured below right).

Cambridge United v Posh

CLASSIC CONTEST

Steve Castle (pictured below) was on target in a 2-1 victory for Posh over Cambridge United 25 years ago. The midfielder scored a sublime second goal after Leon McKenzie had levelled following Trevor Benjamin’s opener for the U’s. You will be able to reminisce about that goal on the pre-match show on Posh+ ahead of the game.

Steve Castle