Burnley -Vs- Peterborough United- Preview

Peterborough United travel to Turf Moor on the back of 3 defeats in succession in the league.

Burnley -Vs- Peterborough United
Venue: Turf Moor
Date: 4th February, 2012
Kick-off: 3pm

Posh are looking to start a good run of form as they continue the battle to reach 50 points.

The Posh travel to Burnley on the back of 4 straight defeats in all competitions. Burnley are unbeaten in 3 games and go into this game looking to continue their push for the playoffs.

TEAM NEWS

Peterborough United

Posh have got a fully fit squad for this fixture, Darren Ferguson has no new injury worries at all. He also has Daniel Kearns to choose from after he missed the last 2 matches.

Centre back Ryan Bennett signed for Norwich on deadline day, before he was loaned straight back to the Posh until the 28th February.

Youngster Joe Newell could compete for a starting place, with Tommy Rowe continuing at left back.

Manchester United loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe could keep his place in the squad. While the other United loanee Scott Wooton left Posh for his parent club, before being loaned straight back out to fellow Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Nicky Ajose left Posh to join Chesterfield on loan on deadline day, so Darren Ferguson has a choice of Paul Taylor, Emile Sinclair and Lee Tomlin, as to who starts up front.

Vital Posh predicts the starting line-up could be:

Lewis

Alcock, Bennett, Zakuani, Rowe

McCann
Frecklington                    Boyd
Tomlin

Taylor, Sinclair

Burnley

Winger Keith Treacy is set to have a late fitness test ahead of the fixture on Saturday afternoon.

Martin Patterson and Junior Stanislas are still out with hamstring injuries, and so will play no part in the fixture.

PRE-MATCH QUOTES

"We are on a poor run, but it`s not a question of changing systems or players, it`s a question of getting back to the level of performance we were delivering before Christmas." Said Posh boss Darren Ferguson.

"We know we can win games at this level, although we face a tough one tomorrow."

Burnley boss Eddie Howe believes his side will be in for a tough game. Howe said: "I think Peterborough are a dangerous side. They`re dangerous in that they commit bodies forward and have good attacking players, but they`re quite open in their game plan.

"I`m not sure whether you`d say that would suit us or not. We`ll wait and see.

"They`ve been hard to beat on their travels. They`ve got some really good results at some tough grounds, which is full credit to their players and their management staff for their attacking philosophy."

STATS & FACTS

Posh have won 50% of their fixtures against Burnley. They have won 9 of the 18 meetings between the sides.

Last time Burnley hosted Peterborough, they recorded a massive 5-0 win back in 1997!

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

A form guide to Birmingham and Posh can be found HERE.

HOTSHOTS

Peterborough United

8 - McCann

7 - Sinclair

6 - Taylor

5 - Tomlin

5 - Frecklington

5 - Boyd

Burnley

16 - Rodriguez

10 - Austin

6 - Wallace

PREDICTION

The home game saw a dream start to Emile Sinclair`s Posh career as he netted 2 goals on his debut against Burnley.

However Posh have been in poor form recently, and if the previous performances continue into this one, Posh could be in for a long afternoon.

Vital Posh predicts another loss for the Posh ending in a 4-1 defeat.

REFEREE

Colin WEBSTER takes charge of this clash.

He will be assisted by Steve Copeland and Darren Handley.

The fourth official is Paul Kettlewell.

UP THE POSH

Follow me on Twitter: @TommLeaa

Photos/images courtesy of www.theposhpics.com

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