A look ahead to the Sky Bet League One clash between Cambridge United and Peterborough United on Saturday lunchtime (12pm).
Peterborough United make the short trip to Cledara Abbey Stadium to face local rivals Cambridge United on Saturday lunchtime (12pm) for a sell-out Sky Bet League One fixture and Darren Ferguson’s men go into the game on the back of securing their spot at Wembley in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final.
That 3-0 success at Blackpool has definitely lifted everybody ahead of derby day, while the U’s have had an eventful few days themselves with manager Neil Harris departing for Millwall and assistant Barry Corr being given the responsibility in the dugout. Before Harris left for the Den, he was in charge of Cambridge’s clash with Bolton Wanderers, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Trotters following a competitive clash.
TEAM NEWS
Manager Darren Ferguson has confirmed that he has almost a fully fit squad to choose from for the game with only goalkeeper Will Blackmore and striker Jacob Wakeling on the sidelines. That means some tough decisions for the boss with Michael Olakigbe one of the players not in the 18 at Bloomfield Road.
Jeando Fuchs and Malik Mothersille both impressed when they were given their opportunities from the start with Hector Kyprianou and Ricky-Jade Jones dropping down to the substitutes bench. Cambridge are set to be without striker Lyle Taylor who was sent off in the defeat to Bolton, although the U’s have appealed that decision.
ONE TO WATCH
Macauley Bonne
While the departure of Harris will have come as a blow to the U’s supporters, it will also be disappointing for both Bonne and Taylor, who were both brought in by Harris. Bonne is a good striker at this level though, he is a natural finisher and will be hoping to kick-start his career after a spell in League Two with Gillingham.
FROM THE MANAGER
“I don’t think the changes at Cambridge will have any bearing on this game. Barry Corr has been in the dugout before, they won’t change to much from what they have been doing. They are a competitive side. There are a few things we are going to have to do well if we are going to get the right result. Last season’s game at their place was very flat from our point of view. Obviously we got a good performance and a result earlier in the campaign. If we get near those levels, then we will cause problems,” Darren Ferguson said.
TICKET NEWS
The game is a complete sell-out for Posh supporters with 1,400 making the trip. No tickets are available on the day.
POSH+
With the game kicking off at midday, we are delighted to be able to confirm that supporters both domestically and overseas will be able to purchase a match pass for £10. Audio passes are also available for £5. Commentary will be provided by Chris Dowsett and Nilesh Patel.
HEAD TO HEAD
After a cagey start, Posh eventually ran out 5-0 winners over Cambridge United at the Weston Homes Stadium with Ephron Mason-Clark and Kwame Poku both netting twice with Joel Randall’s deflected effort securing the points.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
Ryan Bennett scored his first Cambridge goal in the recent 4-0 win at Carlisle United and is expected to line-up against his former club. Posh under 18 boss Jimmy Unwin joined the club from the U’s while there have been other connections down the years, none more impactful than legend Chris Turner.
Steve Welsh, Lil Fucillo, Will Norris, Lee Philpott, Jon McGlashan, Keith Waugh, Micah Hyde, Garry Kimble, Jeff Hughes, Jim Hall, Hayden Coulson, Martin Carruthers, Steve Butler, Tom Cowen and Marc Joseph are among the others.
KIT COLOURS
Posh will be in their home kit for the game.
MATCH OFFICIAL
Craig Breakspear is the match referee.