Posh Preview: 'We Will Huff and Puff' - UpThePoshcast's Honest Assessment Before Luton Town's Arrival
Luton travel to the Weston Homes Stadium to face Peterborough United this Saturday in League One. Posh are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing opening-day defeat but will recognise the challenge ahead. While the Hatters’ squad is clearly still gelling, evidenced by our narrow win against AFC Wimbledon, you’d expect those in the squad to have enough to secure a win.
Q1: What do you see as Peterborough's biggest strengths this season, and where do you think their main weaknesses lie?
Our biggest strength this season is togetherness within the squad. Last season, we had too many players wanting moves away from the club, causing division within the dressing room. This year, we have a young, hungry squad who are all committed to the football club on long-term deals. This has already shown through the way that our players threw their bodies on the line away at Cardiff on the opening day, making blocks and last-ditch challenges galore.
Our weaknesses come in the technical aspects of the game. We are seriously devoid of quality in the forward positions (a rarity for Posh, I know), and our defenders are error-prone. This inexperienced squad needs a lot of work to be ready to challenge at the top end of the divison.
Q2: Are there any standout players Luton fans should be especially wary of?
Bradley Ihionvien, our number nine, is a physical presence up front. He is a constant nuisance, and on his best days he is an absolute handful. He gave the Cardiff City backline the run-around last week, and will be attempting to engage Luton’s centre-halves in physical battles all game on Saturday. He is also a quality finisher, particularly in crucial moments within games.
Q3: How would you describe Peterborough's style of play under Ferguson?
It is fluid, counter-attacking football. Although we do build from the back, our patterns of play are designed to try and get our pacey wingers in behind. Defensively, we look a lot more compact this season, and rather than our usual aggressive defensive approach, we have shown a willingness to be compact and sit in. We have also adopted a full press this season, particularly when the ball is turned over in high areas.
Q4: What's the mood like among Peterborough supporters right now?
There are palpable nerves among Posh supporters at the moment. We finished 18th last season, and have not particularly strengthened our squad since. Both our new goalkeeper and our captain have long-term injuries, and so we are light defensively, and we are still in need of a few signings in attack ideally too. After a close call last term, many Posh fans are scared that we will not survive the drop this year.
Q5: What are your predictions for the game?
We will huff and puff, and you’d think the first home game of the season would give the squad an increased impetus. I watched Luton’s first game of the season, and was not impressed to be honest. That said, Town have a very strong squad for League One, and I would not be surprised to see a statement performance this Saturday. I think it will be a relatively stalemate affair.
Score prediction: Posh 1-1 Luton