A look ahead to the Sky Bet League One fixture at the Kassam Stadium against Oxford United on Saturday (3pm).
Peterborough United travel to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Oxford United in Sky Bet League One action (3pm) with Darren Ferguson’s men looking to keep the pressure on those above them in the table.
Back-to-back league wins at Leyton Orient and against Port Vale mean Posh go into the game in fourth spot, six points adrift of Derby County with two games in hand on the Rams although Derby do have a better goal difference.
Oxford will provide tough opposition – they have enjoyed a fine run of form themselves and are currently inside the top six going into the final run of fixtures. They have won their last two games 4-0 and are one of the most expansive sides in the division.
TEAM NEWS
Winger Michael Olakigbe remains sidelined with a foot injury, while midfielder Jeando Fuchs and goalkeeper Will Blackmore are both unavailable due to knee and hip injuries respectively. Jacob Wakeling was due to feature for the Under 21s on Friday and will then be added to the first team squad for forthcoming fixtures.
Oxford are sweating over the fitness of influential midfielder Cameron Brannagan, who was forced off after just 34 minutes at Burton due to an ankle issue. If the 27-year-old is sentenced to a watching brief versus Posh, it is likely that former Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran will be tasked with shielding the U's backline.
Speaking of Oxford's defence, centre-back Elliott Moore hobbled off in the closing stages at the Pirelli Stadium last weekend, and it remains to be seen whether he will be available to feature this weekend.
ONE TO WATCH
Mark Harris
A Wales international, Mark started with Cardiff where he turned professional in December 2016. Loans at Newport County, Port Vale and Wrexham followed before he became a regular for the Bluebirds. He joined United on a long-term deal in July 2023. He has been capped five times for his country. He has led the line superbly for Oxford in recent weeks and has been a regular on the score-sheet.
FROM THE MANAGER
“Oxford are a very expansive side, they play with two wingers and two 8s and are a dangerous side to come up against. We will have to do a lot of things right to come away with the result that we want. At the minute, it is play, recover, play, there is not much time to get the players who are involved on the training ground, but those that are not involved are doing sessions and they will be key,” Darren Ferguson said.
TICKET NEWS
Tickets go off sale at 3pm on Friday with just under 1,000 sold in advance. The game is not all-ticket and fans can purchase on the day.
POSH+
You will be able to watch the game if you are overseas with match passes available for £10. Alternatively you can purchase an audio pass for £5 with commentary from Nilesh Patel and Chris Dowsett.
HEAD TO HEAD
Posh ran out 3-0 winners over Oxford United earlier in the season with Hector Kyprianou (pictured scoring below), Ricky-Jade Jones and Ryan De Havilland on target.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
There have been a few connections down the years including Tyrone Barnett, Alfie Potter, Jonathan Obika, Jamie Hand, Phil Bolland, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, David Oldfield, Scott Rendell, George Thorne, David Rush, Tony Spearing, Dave Langan, Ben Futcher, Kyle Vassell, Guy Whittingham and Marcus Williams.
KIT COLOURS
Posh will be in their pink away kit for the game.
MATCH OFFICIAL
Andy Davies is the match referee.