A look ahead to Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture with Bristol Rovers at the Weston Homes Stadium (3pm).
Peterborough United welcome Bristol Rovers to the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Sky Bet League One action (3pm) with Darren Ferguson’s men looking to bounce back from the frustration of the Carabao Cup defeat on penalty kicks to Mansfield Town on Tuesday evening.
Posh go into the game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run in the league while Rovers have won three out of their last four fixtures in all competitions including a notable 4-1 victory over Wigan Athletic last time out at the Memorial Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Posh are without the services of goalkeeper Will Blackmore and midfielder Jeando Fuchs due to injury, while Malik Mothersille continues to work hard in training to boost his fitness after missing the majority of pre-season.
Jacob Wakeling is back in the squad after being cup-tied in midweek, however, the Posh boss did indicate that a number of his players are nursing injuries from the Carabao Cup defeat to Mansfield Town. Peter Kioso is suspended after reaching five cautions this season. Posh could change shape or deploy a centre back in the right-back slot.
Bristol Rovers strengthened their squad with the signing of former Derby and Norwich City striker Chris Martin on a free transfer this week and he will go into Joey Barton’s squad for the game.
ONE TO WATCH
Aaron Collins (pictured below) pipped Jonson Clarke-Harris to the EFL League One Player of the Season last season after a superb individual campaign which was littered with goals and assists. The 26-year-old, who started his career at Newport County, has netted three times this season for the Pirates in all competitions. Collins can play as a number nine, number ten or in wide areas and has an excellent record for the club since joining in June 2021.
FROM THE MANAGER
“Bristol Rovers are a good side, they will want to play through the thirds and cause us problems in those areas. They have recruited well, they have brought in some good players and they will feel they can kick on from last season. We are at home, in general our performances this season has been good, there are lots of positives and we need to take that forward into Saturday’s game,” Darren Ferguson said.
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are on sale at www.theposhtickets.com and via the Weston Homes Stadium ticket office. Bristol Rovers have sold around 400 tickets for the game and will be accommodated in the away section of the North Stand. The club have designated Saturday’s game as Junior Football Day with youngsters from across the region populating the Deskgo Stand. Posh fans can also purchase tickets in the Deskgo Stand should they wish.
POSH+
Audio passes are available in the UK for £5 with Chris Dowsett and Nilesh Patel on commentary. Match passes for overseas subscribers can also be purchased for £10. Monthly passes are available for £6.50.
HEAD TO HEAD
Posh beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 in the FA Cup back in January 2022 at the Weston Homes Stadium with goals from Bali Mumba and Sammie Szmodics (pictured below) on target. Paul Coutts converted a penalty for the Pirates.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
Jonson Clarke-Harris (pictured below) came close to joining Bristol Rovers on transfer deadline day, but the deal fell through at the last minute after paperwork was not lodged in time by the Pirates. Clarke-Harris scored 27 goals for the Pirates in 52 appearances prior to joining Posh.
Some of the other players to have played for both clubs include;
Harry Anderson, Paul Coutts, Michael Smith, Jack Baldwin, Bradley Allen, Rene Howe, Graham Hyde, Mark Little, Jeff Hughes, Ryan Broom, Chris Plummer, Erhun Oztumer, Scott Rendell, Calum Willock, James Quinn, Ollie Norburn, Tom Nichols and Mark McEeever.
MATCH OFFICIAL
The referee for the game is Ben Toner.