A look ahead to the Boxing Day Sky Bet League One clash with Reading at the Weston Homes Stadium (3pm).
Peterborough United welcome Reading to the Weston Homes Stadium in Sky Bet League One action on Tuesday 26th December with the Boxing Day clash getting underway in PE2 at 3pm as Darren Ferguson’s men look to build on back-to-back away wins at Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town.
Goals from Ricky-Jade Jones and Hector Kyprianou earned Posh a 2-1 win at the Croud Meadow to Ferguson’s men inside the top two at Christmas. The Royals have been beset by off the field problems this season and have had a points deduction, which has put them in a bit of a false position in the league table.
TEAM NEWS
Posh goalkeeper Will Blackmore remains the only player currently on the sidelines with a hip injury. Darren Ferguson could shuffle his pack with David Ajiboye pushing for a start after an impressive cameo off the bench at Shrewsbury where he created the winning goal for Hector Kyprianou.
Striker Sam Smith has been missing for most of the season for the Royals, but since his return, he has netted five times in 12 appearances including in the most recent success, a 2-0 home win over Wigan Athletic at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
ONE TO WATCH
Harvey Knibbs (pictured below) is the Reading top scorer with six goals and his versatility has proved key – he can operate on either flank or as front man and his work-rate is excellent. He, like Sam Smith, made the move to Berkshire from Cambridge United and has flourished in a difficult campaign to date.
FROM THE MANAGER
“I have watched Reading’s last three games and make no mistake, they are a very good side. I can’t understand why they have struggled because they play some really good football, the manager has got them well coached and they have a lot of talented players for the level including Smith, Wing and Knibbs. It doesn’t matter what position they are in, they will provide us with a very tough game,” Darren Ferguson said.
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are on sale at www.theposhtickets.com and via the Weston Homes Stadium Box Office on the day of the game. The Deskgo Stand is open for Posh fans with Reading supporters housed in the away section of the North Stand with over 600 sold.
POSH+
The game is available to watch on Posh+ for domestic and overseas subscribers with £10 match passes available. Audio passes are available for £5 domestically. Nilesh Patel and Chris Dowsett are on commentary.
HEAD TO HEAD
Ephron Mason-Clark (pictured below) scored the only goal of the game on the opening day of this season as Posh got off to a winning start. Mason-Clark produced a superb header from a deep cross to secure all three points.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
There have been a few connections down the years including Jimmy Quinn, Darren Caskey and Mick Gooding, who provides the co-commentary for BBC Berkshire. Among the others to have featured for both clubs include; Marcus Williams, Andy Legg, Stuart Moore, Zat Knight and Robert Codner.
MATCH OFFICIAL
David Rock is the match referee.