The chances are heavily stacked against Posh finishing in the top two given Derby County only need a maximum of four points (and realistically only three) from games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United to shut Ferguson’s side out of the automatic promotion places.
But there’s always an outside chance of a surprising slip up and it’s worth remembering Carlisle won 3-1 at Bolton Wanderers and Posh this season so there would be huge disappointment if the Rams did stumble and Fergie’s men were in no position to take advantage.
Ferguson’s hand could be forced by injuries. Forwards Ricky-Jade Jones and Kwame Poku are concerns, although the latter wearing a protective boot at the Posh awards night was a precaution rather than confirmation he won’t play on Saturday. On-loan winger Michael Olakigbe remains unavailable because of injury.
Straight after making hard work of beating Fleetwood Town on London Road on Tuesday I was of the opinion Posh should rest many senior players in the next two games as many of them look out on their feet, but then I remembered Derby lost at Northampton not so long ago.
And, after a brief conversation with other interested media men, I’ve now decided Posh should err on the side of strength on Saturday with a plan to rest most of the senior team at Cheltenham next Tuesday (April 23) should results not go our way this weekend. A point at Rovers would almost certainly guarantee a fourth place finish and the slight advantage that would bring at play-off time.
I am handing out a Football League debut though and I am changing shape to a flexible 4-4-2 to take advantage of in-form firepower. I have called up an in-form striker on the bench as well.
1. JED STEER
There seems little point in changing the goalkeeper, especially after his man of the match heroics against Fleetwood. Photo: David Lowndes
2. JAMES DORNELLY
From what I’m hearing it wouldn’t be that much of a gamble to hand a 19 year-old right-back a Football League debut. He has quality, good positional sense and pace, and he will also have a good man looking after him from the centre of defence in this team. Jadel Katongo has enjoyed some strong games since replacing Peter Kioso, but looks like a man in need a of a break. Photo: Joe Dent
3. HARRISON BURROWS
The captain delivered one of his loosest passing displays of the season last time out, but if Posh are serious about winning the League One player-of-the-year has to play. Photo: Joe Dent
4. JOSH KNIGHT
Posh will need to be strong at the heart of the defence to combat free-scoring veteran Chris Martin. Knight will be the man to look after Dornelly in the hope they pass the ball better between them than Knight and Katongo did last weekend.
5. RONNIE EDWARDS
Edwards, like Burrows, has started every League One game this season and they have both gone past 50 appearances in all competitions. It would be a disaster if either of them picked up an injury, but they are also undroppable in a must-win game. Photo: David Lowndes
6. HECTOR KYPRIANOU
Another irreplaceable performer in the middle of the park, but if things go badly this weekend I’d play Ryan De Havilland or even Katongo in his place next Tuesday. Photo: Joe Dent
7. ARCHIE COLLINS
Not sure he’s running on full power right now, but he’s better than most at 75%. Another to leave out at Cheltenham if Posh are out of the running for the top two. Photo: David Lowndes
8. DAVID AJIBOYE
I’m playing two out and out wingers who can drift inside to help win the midfield battle if necessary. The main role for this right winger though will be to get to the byline and cross it, which is a strength of his. He will have two strikers to aim for in this game.
9. EPHRON MASON CLARK
I must confess I shudder every time this left-sided attacker struggles to get up after the latest heavy defensive challenge. I’m not playing him on the tight pitch at Cheltenham against a team fighting for their lives, but he can roam free and cause carnage against Rovers. Photo: Joe Dent
10. JONSON CLARKE-HARRIS
Fans who believe Posh would be even higher up the league if Clarke-Harris in the team are surely misguided. He isn’t suited to the normal Posh way of playing, but he will thrive on balls into the penalty area which my team is set up to do. Photo: David Lowndes
11. MALIK MOTHERSILLE
Both strikers in this team will be fresher than most and they could reasonably be expected to play in the final three matches of the season. Mothersille was lively against Fleetwood and his first Football League goal will have done wonders for his confidence. He has a play-off starting place in his grasp now. Photo: Joe Dent
12. THE SUBSTITUTES
Joel Randall (pictured) needs to be rested from the next two games as he looked drained of energy the other night. Katongo, left-back Harley Mills, centre-backs Emmanuel Katongo and Romoney Crichlow, goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic, and give striker Pemi Aderoju another chance as he’s been prolific at under 21 level. No harm in giving him a start on Tuesday either.
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