Peterborough United -Vs- Brighton - Preview

Peterborough United welcome Gus Poyet`s Brighton team to London Road on Saturday afternoon, also seeing the return of Posh legend Craig Mackail-Smith.

Peterborough United -Vs- Brighton & Hove Albion
Venue: London Road
Date: 21st January, 2012
Kick-off: 3pm

Posh slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the AMEX Stadium early this season, and will be looking to get one over on the Seagulls this time out.



Brighton will be looking to build on their 2-0 win over Bristol City and their midweek penalty win over Wrexham. Posh legend Craig Mackail-Smith scored the winning spot kick, and will undoubtedly hoping to make an impact on Saturday.

TEAM NEWS

Peterborough United

Posh are still without the injured Lee Frecklington for another 2 weeks. But Posh could be handed a massive boost with captain fantastic Grant McCann hopeful of returning to at least the substitutes bench.

Manchester United loanees Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wooton are expected to be in the squad, however there is a possibility that they could be on the substitutes bench after a couple of average performances.

Youth team player Dan Lawlor is expected to retain his place on the substitutes bench. But Posh released 5 youth team players in the week, so it should be a more senior bench than those of recent weeks.

This week also saw defender Josh Thompson recalled by Celtic, to join League 1 strugglers Chesterfield. So he will play no part in the fixture.

Darren Ferguson has a choice between forwards Nicky Ajose, and Emile Sinclair, with the chosen one likely to partner Lee Tomlin up front. Paul Taylor could also be in line for a start after he was dropped for the Hull game.

Vital Posh predicts the starting line-up could be:

Lewis

Little, Bennett, Zakuani, Alcock

Tunnicliffe
Kearns                    Rowe
Boyd

Tomlin, Sinclair

Brighton & Hove Albion

Former Posh striker Craig Mackail-Smith is likely to start up front after he netted Brighton`s winning penalty as they struggled to beat Conference side Wrexham after spot kicks.

Brighton midfielder Craig Noone will not play any part in the game as he is nursing an injury.

PRE-MATCH QUOTES

Craig Mackail Smith said: 'Hopefully I will get a good reception. I felt the fans backed me in the four years I was there.

I tried to do everything in my power to do the best for the club but I'm going there as a Brighton player to get the three points.'

the Scotland international added: 'I'm looking forward to going back but I'm trying not to let the emotions run away with me.'

Ferguson said: 'I watched Brighton earlier this week and they stick to their beliefs. Wrexham did well on the night, but Brighton still created chances and it will be a difficult game, as they all are in the Championship. We are at home though and I have repeatedly said it this season, that I fancy our chances against anyone at home,`



STATS & FACTS

Posh have played 101 games without drawing 0-0.

Posh will be looking to start another good run of form after losing 1-0 to Hull last weekend.

Head to Head statistics between these two teams can be found HERE.



HOTSHOTS

Peterborough United

8 - McCann

7 - Sinclair

6 - Taylor

6 - Tomlin

5 - Frecklington

5 - Boyd

Brighton & Hove Albion

6 - Mackail-Smith

5 - Barnes

4 - Buckley

PREDICTION

The away game ended in a 3-0 defeat and a poor performance to go with it.

This will be a close game, with both teams scoring on more than one occasion.

Vital Posh predicts a tight game ending in a deserved 3-2 win.

REFEREE

Paul TIERNEY takes charge of this encounter.

He will be assisted by Adam Crysell and Adrian Sannerude.

The fourth official is Chris O`Donnell.

UP THE POSH

Follow me on Twitter: @TommLeaa

Photos/images courtesy of www.theposhpics.com

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