Pre-Match Thoughts - Millwall

After Saturday's win against Rochdale, Posh move swiftly on to a tough trip to the Den to play Millwall on Tuesday night.

Millwall

Millwall come into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw against Oldham Athletic. They missed two penalties in stoppage time at the end of the game as Oldham stopper Connor Ripley singled handedly denied them all three points. This came as good news to Posh, who can leapfrog their opponents with a win at The Den.

They're likely to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with two banks of four set up to frustrate Posh's attacking threats. Shaun Williams in central midfield is pivotal to how they play, both defensively and the threat he poses when his team attack. He's good in the air, he can pick a pass, and has also been known to hit the occasional screamer, whether that be from open play or a free kick.

Lee Gregory is another threat that Posh need to be aware of. He knows where the goal is, and alongside veteran striker Steve Morison, the Posh back line will be in for a battle on Tuesday night. Fred Onyedinma has been impressive for Millwall this season, and he may turn provider for most chances that drop to Morison and Gregory.

Posh

Jack Baldwin, as we know, has picked up a two match ban after his second red card of the season on Saturday. Posh have sent Dominic Ball back to Rotherham after he and Posh boss Grant McCann had a disagreement over a team selection which saw Ball drop to the bench. That has subsequently led McCann to send him back to his parent team. In his interview, he said we don't need players like that at the football club, so we move on without him, and hopefully it'll be for the better. Ball had performed fairly well in his games with the Posh, but we do have options in the back line, so it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.

Both Anthony Grant and Chris Forrester come back into contention after serving their suspensions. I would expect them both to start, given Baldwin's suspension and Ball's departure, as Michael Bostwick will probably partner Ryan Tafazolli at the heart of the defence. This could see Grant and Forrester playing the holding roles in front of the back four, if Posh decide to continue with the 4-2-3-1 formation which proved to be successful against Rochdale on Saturday. Forrester could play a more advanced role, though, with Leo Da Silva Lopes and Brad Inman also in contention for the midfield spots.

If McCann doesn't want to drop Bostwick into the middle of the back four, he could shift Andrew Hughes across and play Jerome Binnom-Williams at left back. Hughes played a number of games for Newport at centre back. However, at the start of the season, McCann spoke of the importance of having one left footer, and one right footer at the heart of the defence, and the only player he can play in the middle with Tafazolli to keep that balance, is Bostwick.

Tom Nichols, I imagine, will keep his place after his goal on Saturday, which will leave Craig Mackail-Smith, Junior Morias and Lee Angol out of the starting line up. CMS is still in search of his 100th goal, and if he's going to get it in this one, it will probably have to be during a substitute appearance.

Harry Anderson has trained this week and could come into McCann's thinking, but that would probably only be as a substitute. He has stiff competition in his position, with Martin Samuelsen, Brad Inman and Callum Chettle all vying for places in the squad.

My predicted Posh line-up (click image to enlarge):

Subs: Tyler, Binnom-Williams, Inman, Samuelsen, Morias, Angol, Mackail-Smith

Prediction: Millwall 0-1 Posh - After Saturday's result, there's reason to be optimistic. Grant and Forrester's return could play a huge part in snatching all three points from Millwall. Millwall haven't conceded many recently, so I wouldn't expect us to get more than one or two, but having been shut out by Oldham on Saturday, I'm hoping Posh can capitalise on any lack of confidence up top. 

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Post-Match Reaction - Rochdale

Well, it wasn't perfect by any means, but it was certainly a vast improvement on the recent performances from the Posh.

Posh started brightly but couldn't muster anything clear cut to trouble the Dale keeper. That was until Jack Baldwin found space in the box to steer Posh into a 1-0 lead following a corner from Marcus Maddison. A move followed that looked almost like the Posh of old - good work on the right wing afforded Leo Da Silva Lopes the space to set Tom Nichols up for his 12th goal of the season. And just like that, Posh switched back to the team who have been leaking goals in recent weeks, the defence were cut open by a through ball which allowed Joe Thompson a simple one on one finish to reduce the arrears for the visitors. Joe Rafferty saw a red just before half time when he picked up a second yellow for hauling back Marcus Maddison. So Posh led 2-1 at half time, and apart from the goal conceded, it was looking pretty good.

Eight minutes into the second half, Donal McDermott became the second Dale player to be sent for an early bath. His lunging tackle on Baldwin was his final action of the game, as referee Chris Sarginson gave him a straight red card. Posh had a number of chances, but the likes of Brad Inman Marcus Maddison and birthday boy Craig Mackail-Smith all squandered decent attempts to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt. Referee Sarginson brought the red card out for the third time in the game, sending Jack Baldwin off for a second bookable offence, before Paul Taylor ended the contest with a well struck effort which left Wilson in the Dale goal with no chance.

Final Score: Posh 3-1 Rochdale

My man of the match: Michael Bostwick - Didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon, and timed his tackles to perfection. Provided good protection for the back four and a partnership with Anthony Grant seems exciting.

There were plenty of positives on show for the Posh, but some areas for concern, also. The defence, despite looking fairly solid for most of the afternoon, were completely undone by one decent pass for the Rochdale goal. Ryan Tafazolli charged out of the back line on a few occasions to try and win the ball high up the pitch, and one of those ended up seeing his defensive partner, Baldwin, sent off.

Tafazolli was beaten by a Dale man and, in my opinion, should've took one for the team and hauled the man down before he reached Baldwin. He didn't do so, and Baldwin was left with no other alternative other than to let the man run in on goal, or bring him down. He chose the latter, and will now probably miss the next two games due to his sending off earlier in the season.

Posh played more of a 4-2-3-1, which looked pretty good. Grant McCann spoke in his post match interview about the importance of getting his more influential players higher up the pitch - he was spot on. Taylor and Maddison found plenty of space to work in and produced the kind of quality we've become used to seeing from them. Tom Nichols benefitted from their movement and quality deliveries, as did Mackail-Smith, who really should've scored his 100th goal for the club today.

On Tuesday we go to Millwall, and will have Anthony Grant back in contention. Grant alongside Bostwick in a 4-2-3-1 formation could work for Posh. Both are solid, and working together could provide some much needed protection for our still shaky back line. I imagine Leo Da Silva Lopes or Brad Inman could drop out of the starting XI, but I'll revisit that prospect in my pre-match thoughts ahead of Tuesday's game.

So the win for Posh left us just three points off the playoffs, with Millwall drawing to Oldham, and Southend slipping up at Gillingham. Three points on Tuesday could see Posh move level on points with 6th place Southend, and in all honesty you really would have to put Posh right back in the playoff picture should that take place. Southend don't play on Tuesday, so they will have a game in hand, but three points are vital in what has to go down as the most important game of the season so far at The Den on Tuesday!

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Pre-Match Thoughts - Rochdale

After Tuesday night's disaster, the Posh welcome Rochdale to the ABAX Stadium in a must win fixture for Grant McCann's team.

Posh

For 40 minutes, Posh weren't too bad on Tuesday. But that doesn't take away from the capitulation that eventually took place. We were all over the place defensively and didn't look like we were ever going to create enough chances to compete with Southend.

Dominic Ball could come back into contention after being dropped to the bench on Tuesday, as two games in a week might come too soon for Jack Baldwin. Having said that, Michael Bostwick also looked a bit leggy towards the end of Tuesdays game, so at least one of them is likely to play. Chris Forrester and Anthony Grant are still suspended, so Ball could feature either at the heart of the defence, or in front of the back four.

Martin Samuelsen didn't have much of an affect on Tuesday's game, so I'd expect him to start on the bench on Saturday. Paul Taylor could come back in to the line up, whilst Brad Inman will also probably be in contention. Harry Anderson is nearing a return but still has some work to do, so I wouldn't expect to see him in the match day squad this weekend.

Tom Nichols could also return to the line up after his goal on Tuesday night. Craig Mackail-Smith is his likely strike partner, as Junior Morias could drop to the bench. Lee Angol may also be in the question but I imagine he'll be amongst the subs again.

My predicted line-up (click image to enlarge): 

Subs: Tyler, Binnom-Williams, Baldwin, Samuelsen, Inman, Angol, Morias

Rochdale

Posh's opponents are on a run of 7 games without a win in all competitions, but still sit one place above Posh in the League One table. Their last match was a 3-3 draw to Charlton Athletic, where former Posh man Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored 6 minutes from time to rescue a point for Keith Hill's team. 

Calvin Andrew is one of Dale's main goal threats, and will be one to watch if he gets the nod to start against Posh on Saturday. He was among the scorers in the game against Charlton, and will be looking to continue his run against a fragile Posh defence. Ian Henderson is also a threat, and scored against Posh on the opening day of the season. Posh won 3-2 on the day, thanks to a last minute diving header from Gwion Edwards. 

Steven Davies signed a new one year deal with our visitors recently, but may miss the game through injury. Mendez-Laing could earn a start, but may have to settle for a place on the bench against his former employers. 

It seems Dale's defence may be just as fragile as Posh's, so if Posh can create a few chances, we might be in for a high scoring game, for a change (not meaning to tempt fate, of course).

Prediction: Posh 2-1 Rochdale - I don't know why, but I've gone for a Posh win. Dale's defence looks dodgy and if Posh's can hold firm, I reckon we're fully capable of snatching all three points on Saturday. I'm also backing CMS to bag his 100th goal in front of the London Road End to win the game, so I've got everything crossed for tomorrow's game. 

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Post-Match Reaction - Southend United

Grant McCann said he expected his players to shine against Southend, but it was yet another bad day at the office for the Posh, and another defeat.

Posh started brightly, with Craig Mackail-Smith's pace and non-stop running causing problems for Southend's back line. Junior Morias was much the same, but neither could muster the kind of chance to give Posh the lead in a game where the first goal was always going to be vital. Southend got that goal right at the end of the half. Demetriou scored his first goal for Southend, although the highlights McCann saw suggested the ball didn't cross the line. It was a body blow for Posh, but they had 45 minutes to sort it out.

Did they sort it out? Of course not. Marc Antoine Fortune outmuscled Jack Baldwin and slotted past Luke McGee to make it two, before Will Atkinson made it 3 after 64 minutes. The mass exodus began as Posh fans headed for the exit gates. Tom Nichols came on and netted a consolation for Posh, but Michael Timlin made it four to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

In all honesty, we weren't that bad in the opening 45 minutes. Mackail-Smith and Morias both went close, as did Michael Bostwick and Marcus Maddison. Nothing really tested the Southend goalkeeper, and thats part of the problem for Posh at the minute, the lack of cutting edge is costing us week in, week out, and it's starting to become the norm that Posh can't create enough clear chances to give themselves a chance of winning. Posh now only have 8 goals in 9 games since the FA Cup clash at Chelsea on the 8th of January - a stat that simply isn't good enough for a team that is meant to be chasing the playoffs.

Jack Baldwin was captain for the game, and given that Michael Smith is currently vice-captain, you'd have to wonder if this is a sign of things to come. Smith started the match and wasn't given the armband, so it makes you wonder if Baldwin is going to be given the gig full time. Ryan Tafazolli was the fans choice to take the armband from Chris Forrester, but it seems he's been overlooked. Baldwin in the game, looked short of fitness, and struggled to cope with the physical presence of Fortune, which payed dividends for their second goal - the goal which really looked to kill Posh off.

Posh missed Anthony Grant in front of the back four, and while Bostwick didn't do too much wrong defensively, Grant's calm head on the ball and ability to pick a pass was missing, as Bostwick misplaced passes and even hoofed a simple ball out to Smith, out for a throw in, in the first half. You could argue Forrester was also missed, but he hasn't been the same player since the game against Chelsea, so maybe it would've been time to give him a break even if he wasn't suspended.

Tom Nichols came on, and by all accounts, did quite well. He came on and scored the goal - his 11th of the season - not a bad total for a team who seem to have forgotten how to create chances. I'd expect him to come back into the starting line up when Rochdale come to the ABAX Stadium on Saturday.

And somehow, we're still only 5 points off the playoffs... Up next are Rochdale at home, then Millwall away - two teams just ahead of Posh in the league. If we take 4 or 6 points (which seems unlikely), we're actually right back in the playoff hunt. Anything less than 3 or 4 points and we may as well begin planning for next season.

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Pre-Match Thoughts - Southend United

As many of my regular readers will know by now, I usually do a post before and after each match. But if I'm honest, I had absolutely nothing to say about the shambles that took place at Walsall last week. It was a joke, an embarrassment, and simply not good enough from everyone involved in the incidents in the dying moments of the match.

So moving swiftly on, we host Southend United at the ABAX tonight, in a game which really could make or break our season. Southend are just ahead of us, and in my mind this game really is win or bust.

Posh

Following Saturday's events, Posh will be missing captain (and I use the term in its loosest possible form) Chris Forrester after his stupid red card, as well as Anthony Grant, who picked up his 10th yellow of the season at Walsall. Gwion Edwards was stretchered off on Saturday and will miss tonights fixture, whilst Grant McCann refused to rule out Michael Bostwick, who has been making good progress in his recovery from a broken jaw.

Dominic Ball is capable of playing at the base of the diamond, which could see a return to the line up for Jack Baldwin. Brad Inman could also play as Posh are short on numbers in midfield. Paul Taylor was below par on Saturday, so I'm expecting him to be back amongst the subs. Martin Samuelsen could start, and I'd fully expect Marcus Maddison to return to the line up tonight.

Jerome Binnom-Williams missed out on Saturday, and providing he's fit, I'd expect him to return to the squad, although Andrew Hughes didn't really do too much wrong on Saturday in my book.

I think we're going to see a mix up in the starting XI tonight, and really it's difficult to guess who will play. In all honesty, any one of Saturday's team could be dropped, and I imagine some of them will be.

My predicted line up (click image to enlarge):

Subs: Tyler, Binnom-Williams, Da Silva Lopes, Bostwick, Taylor, Morias, Nichols

Southend United

Southend have enjoyed a good season up to now, and currently sit in 6th - three points clear of Posh. They were pegged back twice on Saturday by Northampton Town, and ended up only taking a point from the game, but have beaten Oxford United and Scunthorpe in recent weeks. 

Their main goal threat is Simon Cox. He's made the step down to League One, and seems to have found his level as he's flourished under Phil Brown this term. Cox's strike partner is likely to be Marc-Antoine Fortune - the veteran striker is also capable of taking his chances, so the Posh defence will have to be alert to keep them quiet tonight. 

Southend may be missing central midfielder Michael Timlin, and centre back Anton Ferdinand - whose partners are both expecting to give birth in the coming days. They both may feature in the match, but it'd certainly help Posh if they were missing and Southend were forced to make changes to their preferred line up. 

Prediction: Posh 1-2 Southend - I can't justify predicting a Posh win after Saturday's farce. Southend have been going very well in the league this season and Posh's weakened midfield might pay dividends in tonight's game. Southend actually have players capable of scoring on a regular basis and I just can't see Posh coming out of it with anything more than a point. Hopefully they prove me wrong! 

Pre-Match Thoughts - Walsall

Grant McCann takes his Posh side to Walsall on Saturday, in search of a second consecutive win in League One

Walsall

Walsall, like Posh, have been fairly inconsistent this season. However, they do sit just four points behind us, as we lock horns with them on Saturday afternoon. Last time out, they went to high flyers Scunthorpe and held them to a 0-0 draw. Like Posh, they're largely an unknown quantity from week to week. 

They do have a new talisman in the shape of former Posh midfielder, Erhun Oztumer. The general consensus among Posh fans is that Oztumer was a very talented player on his day, but those days just didn't come regularly enough. But he seems to hit a run of form this season, and has been an important aspect of the Saddlers team. 

Walsall will be missing another former Posh player: Florent Cuvellier will miss the game with a calf strain, as Walsall are yet to find out the severity of the problem. He limped off against Scunthorpe on Tuesday night and is expected to miss a few weeks. 

Walsall teams in recent years have been really difficult opposition, mainly due to a number of players they'd acquired. But the likes of Tom Bradshaw, Romaine Sawyers have both moved on to Championship clubs. Rico Henry also left the club in the summer to team up with former Saddlers boss Dean Smith, at Brentford. 

Posh

Posh finally scored their first goals at the ABAX Stadium in 2017 on Tuesday, and will be looking to pick up where they left off in the second half of Tuesdays win over Shrewsbury. It may have been the centre backs that scored the goals, but at least we scored then. But Saturday does need to see the attacking players pick up their form and start finding the goal themselves. 

I dont think there will be too many changes from the team that started on Tuesday. However Paul Taylor must be in with a shout of starting after his performance against the Shrews. Marcus Maddison was withdrawn at half time, and there's a chance he may have to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday, 

Gwion Edwards has reportedly been struggling with an injury, but if he's fit I fully expect him to keep his place in the starting XI. If he doesn't make it, Maddison, Leo Da Silva Lopes, Brad Inman and Martin Samuelsen will all be vying for his place in the line up. 

Craig Mackail-Smith may also come back into the reckoning after being left on the bench on Tuesday, but I'm going to predict that Junior Morias and Lee Angol will keep their places in the starting XI. 

My predicted line up (click image to enlarge): 

Subs: Tyler, Baldwin, Maddison, Da Silva Lopes, Samuelsen, CMS, Nichols

Prediction: Walsall 1-2 Posh - I think Posh will return to goalscoring form on Saturday with another two goals. I think Walsall will get one, maybe through Oztumer, who has said he will celebrate if he scores against us on Saturday. Ultimately, I'm predicting a Posh win, and a chance to move into the playoffs, with Milwall being involved in the FA Cup this weekend. 

Follow me on Twitter: @TomLea_

Post-Match Reaction - Shrewsbury Town

It may not have been pretty, but a win is a win in my book and it could turn out to be a vital one come the end of the season.

Posh started the better of the sides with Junior Morias and Lee Angol working hard to test Jason Leutweiller in the Shrewsbury goal. Despite their best efforts, it was the visitors who took the lead when Michael Smith handled a deep cross and gifted the Shrews a penalty. It was Stephen Humphrys, who I featured in my Pre-Match Thoughts, who converted the penalty and sent him team one up at the break.

The second half was an evenly balanced affair until Humphrys picked up a second yellow card for standing in the way of a free kick that Posh were about to take. Grant McCann took the risk of playing three at the back and throwing everything we had at the Shrewsbury goal. It paid off eventually when Ryan Tafazolli nodded home to level things up. Taf's goal was closely followed by a first professional goal for his central defensive partner, Dominic Ball. So Posh had the win, the three points, and gained a bit of momentum going into Saturday's clash at Walsall.

Posh created chances but couldn't take them again, which is a regular occurrence at the moment. But at this stage it doesn't really matter who scores the goals, as long as we win, and we did just that. Angol and Morias showed signs of a decent partnership, but CMS came on and did well, so there is more food for thought for McCann ahead of Saturday's game.

Shrewsbury came into the game in really good form, but Posh in the end got just about what they deserved. It may have been Valentines Day, but there was nothing romantic about this victory. A hard fought, well earned three points, and we have to give the players credit for that!