Given the hoal threat from Posh, I would play with one striker first half, with JFC and Pratley in front of the back 4.Millar and Williams on the wings and Shinnie behind the striker. Then, if we can win it, bring on a second striker second hslf.
Think this is a possibility to tighten up the midfield. I would go with this. Runs for cover.
If Famewo is 90% fit LB might be tempted to play him as I'm told the Posh front three are very mobile. But with his lack of first team play I expect the CB's to be Oshi and (makes sign of the cross) Pearce.
Peterborough United v Charlton Athletic Tuesday 19th January | Kick-Off: 18.30pm Live on Valley Pass
Referee: Sam Purkiss - Previously officiated our 3-2 home win against Fleetwood Town after taking over from the original appointment of Christopher Pollard. Purkiss has brandished 7 red cards in 18 games so far this season.
Introduction There are not too many better feelings than winning away from home, keeping a clean sheet, and putting in a performance to match. The win at Bristol Rovers proved to be an important one as all of the top 8 who played picked up points and those around us also won. The players are working hard, and it looks as though we may have just turned a corner, or at least indicating to! As we all know, games now are going to come thick and fast, playing Saturday-Tuesday until the end of the month so we are going to come up against a variety of tests, and this Tuesday is one of the biggest of the season, away at Peterborough United.
Opposition Manager: Darren Ferguson (49.4% win rate) Stadium: Weston Homes Stadium League Position: 5th | Last 6: WDWDLL Nickname(s): The Posh
Peterborough played Milton Keynes at home on Saturday, winning 3-0, their last line-up was:
Pym Kent | Mason | Beevers Ward | Hamilton | Taylor | Butler Dembélé | Szmodics Clarke-Harris
Sometimes a manager suits a certain club. Their style of play, philosophy, and culture they aim to create fits like a glove. It could be said that Darren Ferguson and Peterborough United are an example of just that. Having been a manager for only 13 years, this is his third spell in charge, the previous two have resulted in promotions from League Two and League One (twice), the question remains whether they'll be able to repeat that feat again this time round. Incredibly, across the time he has been in charge, they've scored over 500 goals, even last season when it was curtailed after 35 matches they averaged just shy of 2 per game.
When you're talking of goals and Peterborough United, it's only fair to talk about Jonson Clarke-Harris this season. The striker, who signed from Bristol Rovers in the summer, has already got 13 in 20. The same total as what he got in the league in the whole of last season for The Gas. The left footed forward is strong, mobile, good in the air, and can score all different types of goals. Keeping him quiet is going to be a huge challenge for a defence that has only just kept its first clean sheet in 9. But you'd be foolish to think it's just the former Charlton transfer target that we need to keep an eye on...
Dembélé and Szmodics - who play just behind the front man, Dembélé sometimes alongside him - are very good players at this level. The former has 5 goals and 6 assists so far, keeping another old Charlton transfer target, Mo Eisa, out of the team. Dembélé has a diminutive figure, but is very quick and skilful. The Ivorian's contract is up in the summer, and with interest from higher up the pyramid, The Posh may have a fight on their hands to keep the young talent. The latter, Sammie Szmodics, signed from Bristol City in the summer after impressing on loan last season. In a deal worth in excess of £1million, his goal contribution this season has not been great with only 3 goals and 2 assists - 2 of those goals coming at the weekend against Milton Keynes. However, the attacking midfielder has real class and vision to create chances; splitting defences wide open with his passing. Szmodics will often try to find the space between the oppositions midfield and defence, so limiting that space and being compact is something I am sure Bowyer will be looking to do.
Form wise, since the return of the last international break, The Posh have been very hit and miss. Where we've played 12, won 3, drawn 5, and lost 4 - Peterborough have played 8, won 3, drawn 2, and lost 3. They've also had an extended break due to positive coronavirus cases at the club; meaning they had from 16th December to 9th January without a game. Refreshed? You'd think so. That break would not only have helped Ferguson work on specific things they haven't managed to do before, but allow any injured players extra time to recover. It's had its pros and cons, but we will only really know the full effect of it come the end of the season when clubs like Peterborough have even more games to cram into an already packed season!
Charlton Team News Previously I mentioned that players should stop with what seemed to be a game of 'tag, you're it' with picking up injuries and taking turns to sit on the treatment table. This time, I ask that they now give it a break with who is to be sent off! Charlton are bottom of the fair play table, by a long way... With 5 players sent off already this season and numerous players picking up multiple bookings, if it's not injuries that are hurting us, it's suspensions. Unfortunately, young Albie Morgan, who has been very impressive over the last game and a half, is the latest culprit - but he'll learn from it. The other disappointing thing is Morgan has now lost his place in the team, and with Pratley returning from his own suspension and Shinnie returning to the squad after injury, he'll have a job on his hands to regain that place.
Rejoining Pratley and Shinnie in the squad is Pearce and Famewo. Thankfully, the two centre backs returning will mean more options and more headaches for Bowyer to decide who partners who in central defence and central midfield. Marcus Maddison is doubtful against his former club due to only rejoining training today after a minor ankle injury. Ben Watson is only just behind with a hamstring injury, whilst Ryan Inniss is about 3 weeks away from a return.
In further positive news, the performances of Oshilaja and Forster-Caskey would've delighted Bowyer. Recently stating his disappointment in some players failing to grab their opportunity when it has come, that cannot be said for the man of the match and match winner on Saturday. They're two players who are guaranteed to start on Tuesday, and rightly so. Additionally, Bowyer singled out praise for Williams and Millar, so you would assume he'll start both again as well. More selection headaches for the gaffer would be does he start Aneke for the third game running, and does Schwartz get his first start for the club? Who partners Forster-Caskey in midfield? Is it Pratley to help be compact, limit the space, add a bit of height, and push Forster-Caskey further forward? Or will it be Shinnie to come straight in and replace Morgan, considering they're more similar type players? Who partners Oshilaja in defence? Club captain, Jason Pearce, is likely to be that player if not for his fitness in comparison to Famewo, but for his leadership qualities in what is going to be a very tough away game. That doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see Famewo start, because I would, these previews and predictions are always what I believe Bowyer is likely to do.
Prediction Back to winnings ways is always a good feeling. The test now is can we follow it up away at a promotion rival, who on their day, can score a lot of goals themselves. Normally, I would predict a high scoring game for this as it's two teams who create a good number of chances, with players at the top end of the pitch who can hurt you. However, I think it has the potential to be a cagey affair. A positive result sets us up nicely going into a home game against Swindon on Saturday. I think we'll get one.
Peterborough United 1-1 Charlton Athletic Schwartz
Please do not play jason pearce he is a total liability
This will be a real test of our quality, they have scored one goal less than us and have conceded eight less in two fewer games .. I'll be happy(ish) if we come away with a point against a club that is (as ever) punching above it's weight under the shrewd and tight control of the owner and the manager who has steely football in his blood
Peterborough United 1 v CAFC 1
They have got 2 players they have recently spent the best part of a million quid each on.
Am I right in saying the only 2 players in our squad we paid a fee for are Pearce and Purrington? I think fees were mentioned for Washington, Gilbey and Innis but have never seen anything confirmed.
I am not sure they are punching above their weight, isn't top 6-8 in league 1 about where they should be?
Sorry going off at a tangent.
the sale of Toney financed their recent signings, buy low cost, sell high cost .. plus of course a 16 year spell under the very shrewd MacAnthony D has allowed for gradual, successful development .. in contrast it seems the profits from the sale of our best players went into Duchatelet's pocket to offset his losses and nothing was left for team development .. because of our recent disastrous ownership history, we have punched well below our weight whereas Posh have excelled with minimal but careful investment
I don't doubt they are well run, or have done extremely well with selling, and replacing, strikers.
It's the punching above thier weight bit. There aren't as big a club as us, Sunderland, Ipswich, Pompey maybe Hull and Wigan (on recent history) but wouldn't you expect them to be near the top of the rest? Which is pretty much where they are and nearly always, for the last decade or more, are?
Seeing the update on the injury front & as there is no Famewo I'd go with Pratley as a CH & not Pearce, but I expect Bowyer will bring the skipper straight back in. I'd also start Washington & Bogle and bring Aneke & Schwartz after half time.
Whatever the line-up I still expect to lose this one. They are too good going forward & although we might at least trouble the scorers they will do what Fat Les said and score 1 more than us.
Normally quite positive, but would be happy if we came away with a point from this against a dangerous attacking team. I expect Pratley back in midfield to help protect our leaky back 4, with Pearce back in CB.
Find this forum very confusing/amnesiac sometimes, people screamed for Bowyer to play a CB at CB for months, then Pearce has a couple of poor games and now they want Bowyer not to play our only spare CB at CB! I agree he's not been great in the games he was back, but, as we kept crying for, square pegs in square holes please.
My prediction:
Amos Gunter | Deji | Pearce | Maatsen Williams | Pratley | JFC | Millar Bogle | Washington
Aneke and Shwartz to replace our forward pair sometime in the second half, though would preferably like to see Shwartz start.
Whatever the line-up I still expect to lose this one. They are too good going forward & although we might at least trouble the scorers they will do what Fat Les said and score 1 more than us.
3-2.
Don't you expect to lose every game, Golfie.
Or at least that's what you are always telling us!
Reckon we will go to 3 at the back to deal with their front 3. Millar in a bit of a free role and can drift out left to continue his link up with Maatsen.
Love all this talk about Bogle and his hold-up play. He can't actually do anything else, so we revert to his hold-up play as some sort of saving grace. The fact is, his hold-up play isn't that clever either given he has the first-touch of a drunken baby elephant.
I would honestly stick with the team that beat Bristol Rovers as much as possible, making changes only for injuries/suspension/knackerdness. We need some consistency, the chopping and changing from match to match must be greater than any other team in the land.
We won for a change last game so only changes I see are enforced ones ie. Morgan and if Aneke/Williams can hack starting three in a row. I’d like to see us go for it from the start though rather than leave best players on bench to bring on rather go for it then take them off if needs be. would like to see
Whatever the line-up I still expect to lose this one. They are too good going forward & although we might at least trouble the scorers they will do what Fat Les said and score 1 more than us.
3-2.
Don't you expect to lose every game, Golfie.
Or at least that's what you are always telling us!
I put us down for a win on Saturday, but did go for defeats for the previous 3 games. Currently 3 out of 4 right since the start of the year.
I know they are managing Aneke carefully, but have we actually heard anything from the club as to why they have a concern with him not completing 90 mins on a regular basis?.
I know they are managing Aneke carefully, but have we actually heard anything from the club as to why they have a concern with him not completing 90 mins on a regular basis?.
I am no medical expert, and please someone correct me if I am wrong, I think it's a fact that both Williams and Aneke can't play 90 minutes 3 times in 8 days. I also think it is the case that they both get knackered after 70 odd minutes.
I believe Bowyer has been over protective of both of them this season, probably with last season on his mind. He flogged many a dead horse through no fault of his own then.
I think after the Accrington game something happened. Either Bowyer took council, the penny finally dropped or Thomas/Roddy/Curbs/A N Other had a word in his shell like.
The only "bizarre" selection was Smyth as a wing back, which he corrected and admitted. Aneke and Williams have spent as much time as possible on the pitch, no totally negative substitutes and we haven't seen any post match slaggings.
2 hours of football doesn't change everything but it's a start and long may it continue.
I think after the Accrington game something happened. Either Bowyer took council, the penny finally dropped or Thomas/Roddy/Curbs/A N Other had a word in his shell like.
The only "bizarre" selection was Smyth as a wing back, which he corrected and admitted. Aneke and Williams have spent as much time as possible on the pitch, no totally negative substitutes and we haven't seen any post match slaggings.
-------‐-------- My money is on a word from Thomas, maybe spoken by Roddy.
I don’t perceive Bows as the type who would openly seek advice or help.
If the penny has finally dropped, Bows needs to improve his problem fixing ability promptly. We have played 11 matches between Gillingham and Rovers inclusive, winning just two. That is 9 matches, or about 1/5th of a season, where we have dropped points we should have gained against lower placed teams in the table, which is extremely wasteful if the target is top six.
Whilst currently placed at 6th, we could drop to 9th if the three teams below us with 2 - 4 games in hand on us were to win each of these. I haven't checked the outstanding fixtures to confirm whether 3 points would be possible in each case, but my point is that our current position is somewhat artificial.
OK, there's half a season of matches left to pick up points, but we can't continue to be this wasteful if we seek Championship footy next season. The pressure will be on us and every point dropped may require other teams around us to do the same to avoid the gap opening further.
If LB has been given a rollicking, maybe Smyth as wing back was a petulant response...
Team selection and tactics at Peterborough will show whether a change of course by Bows is in progress. Or not.
I’m not so willing to write Pearce off as some are and totally understand it he’s been a bit junk but he’s a league one battler who’s been promoted with us and Wigan . Pearce plays we have a better chance than if Gunter or Pratley play at centre half . Cant see us winning , nick a draw at best Desmond it is
If we play with Pearce ,that will be fine as long as you have Pratley in front doing his usual job,always respect the opposition,but it is about time we started to play our own game to our own strengths and let others worry about us.Now if I was the opposing manager,I would be very worried about the damage Miller could cause,and also the threat of Aneke and Ronnie,with Bogle backing up(he did ok last game out).There cannot be many better midfielders than JFC in this division at the moment,go for them from the off and we will win this.
Will be a difficult game tonight. Its a game we can win but we need to be "on it" defensively. Strikers need to take the chances tonight when presented, cant knock them too much cause we do score alot but cant have a repeat of Bristol as Peterborough are a much better team going forward.
Comments
Runs for cover.
If Famewo is 90% fit LB might be tempted to play him as I'm told the Posh front three are very mobile.
But with his lack of first team play I expect the CB's to be Oshi and (makes sign of the cross) Pearce.
No mention of Famewo so assume he's not yet fit.
It's the punching above thier weight bit. There aren't as big a club as us, Sunderland, Ipswich, Pompey maybe Hull and Wigan (on recent history) but wouldn't you expect them to be near the top of the rest? Which is pretty much where they are and nearly always, for the last decade or more, are?
Whatever the line-up I still expect to lose this one. They are too good going forward & although we might at least trouble the scorers they will do what Fat Les said and score 1 more than us.
3-2.
Find this forum very confusing/amnesiac sometimes, people screamed for Bowyer to play a CB at CB for months, then Pearce has a couple of poor games and now they want Bowyer not to play our only spare CB at CB! I agree he's not been great in the games he was back, but, as we kept crying for, square pegs in square holes please.
My prediction:
Gunter | Deji | Pearce | Maatsen
Williams | Pratley | JFC | Millar
Bogle | Washington
Aneke and Shwartz to replace our forward pair sometime in the second half, though would preferably like to see Shwartz start.
Or at least that's what you are always telling us!
Amos
Gunter, Oshilaja, Pearce
Matthews, Pratley, JFC, Maatsen
Millar
Washington, Schwartz
AMB, Barker, Purrington, Gilbey, Shinnie, Williams, Aneke, Smyth
0-1
I’d like to see us go for it from the start though rather than leave best players on bench to bring on rather go for it then take them off if needs be.
would like to see
Amos
matthews Gunter Deji maartsen
Williams jfc pratley millar
Schwartz Aneke
subs
amb, Purrington, Pearce, shinnie, gilbey, Bogle, Schwartz
would leave smyth and Washington out both not tried but not offered much to me
But I have a strong feeling bowyer will go 5 at the back with the threat of their front 3 and predict he could do something like this
Amos
Gunter. Pearce deji.
Pratley. Jfc.
Millar
Washington. Aneke
I believe Bowyer has been over protective of both of them this season, probably with last season on his mind. He flogged many a dead horse through no fault of his own then.
I think after the Accrington game something happened. Either Bowyer took council, the penny finally dropped or Thomas/Roddy/Curbs/A N Other had a word in his shell like.
The only "bizarre" selection was Smyth as a wing back, which he corrected and admitted. Aneke and Williams have spent as much time as possible on the pitch, no totally negative substitutes and we haven't seen any post match slaggings.
2 hours of football doesn't change everything but it's a start and long may it continue.
Pearce plays we have a better chance than if Gunter or Pratley play at centre half .
Cant see us winning , nick a draw at best
Desmond it is
1-1 Washington