Strong Peterborough selection stance contrasts greatly to Portsmouth approach for Trophy clash

The Peterborough manager sees the game as a good opportunity to get his players back in ‘rhythm’ following their recent enforced break.

He’ll be calling on many of his first-team regulars as a result, with one eye on The Posh’s upcoming league games.

It’s a different strategy to the one opposite number Kenny Jackett will deploy at London Road.

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The Blues are expected to name a completely different starting XI to the one that faced Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Just like tonight’s hosts, they too had games called off over the festive period, with Pompey’s trip to Ashton Gate their first outing since December 18.

But Jackett is set to keep faith with the fringe players and youngsters who have taken him this far in this season’s competition.

That means run-outs for the likes of Paul Downing and James Bolton, plus more senior experience for Harry Kavanagh, Charlie Bell and Alfie Stanley.

American keeper Duncan Turnbull is also likely to be handed his first-team debut.

Given Ferguson’s selection thoughts, a tough test therefore awaits the Blues.

Yet he believes it’s the best way to ensure his Posh players are in shape for the League One fixtures that lie in wait.

Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Lincoln, Ferguson told the Peterborough Telegraph: ‘We need to get some rhythm into the players again after a long time without a game.

‘So it will be a stronger-looking side than I normally play. We need to get the players back up to speed as quickly as possible.

‘I felt our fitness was good at Lincoln, especially when we played almost 30 minutes with 10 men, but it certainly helps when you are able to make five subs as we did.

‘This is a competition both us and Portsmouth always take seriously. It’s a competition we want to win.

‘We took a lot out of our previous round win over West Ham as we carried some good form into our next League One match and I’d hope for the same again.

‘As they played on Sunday, Portsmouth could have asked for the game to be moved back to Wednesday, but they didn’t which makes me think they intend to make full use of their squad over the two matches.

‘Mind you their squad is very deep. The players who didn’t play at Bristol are all good ones so it should be a decent match between two of the biggest clubs left in the competition.

‘We’re treating this is as a big game.’

Former Pompey defender Nathan Thompson is expected to feature for Peterborough tonight, despite Ferguson warning the player that an improvement in his discipline is needed following his red card against Lincoln on Saturday.

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