Peterborough United -Vs- Watford - Preview

Pride is the only thing at stake as both teams are guaranteed Championship football next year.

Peterborough United -Vs- Watford
Venue: London Road
Date: 21st April, 2012
Kick-off: 3pm

Peterborough United host their final Championship game of the season as they look to sign off with a win.

Watford are also looking to keep up their recent impressive away record as they aim to remain unbeaten.

TEAM NEWS

Peterborough United

Now Posh are safe, Gaby Zakuani will finally rest the foot and shoulder injuries he has. He is expected to watch the final home match of the season from the London Road stand.

With Gaby out, Posh are down to just four senior defenders which means promising youngster Kgosi Ntlhe will appear on the bench again.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson has no other new injury worries as Emile Sinclair doesn`t look to have shaken off the twisted ankle he suffered during the Easter Monday clash with Nottingham Forest.

Owner Darragh MacAnthony also revealed on Twitter earlier this week that a 16-year old midfielder would feature in the squad. Charlie Coulson looks set to start his first match on the substitutes bench alongside 18-year olds Kgosi Ntlhe and Peter Grant. Fergie is hoping to bring all three youngsters on at some point in the game to make their debuts.

Despite making more mistakes against Southampton on Tuesday night, goalkeeper Paul Jones will keep his place for the final two games as fellow keeper Joe Lewis has picked up a knee injury.

Vital Posh predicts the starting line-up will be:

Jones

Little, Brisley, Alcock, Rowe

McCann
Tomlin                       Boyd
Newell

Taylor, Barnett

Watford

Hornets boss Sean Dyche has no new injury worries as vice-captain Adrian Mariappa returns from suspension although midfielder Stephen McGinn (knee) is a long-term absentee.

PRE-MATCH QUOTES

Peterborough United

With their Championship status confirmed, Posh boss Darren Ferguson is without the services of centre back Gaby Zakuani but he is looking forward to three young players making their Posh debut: 'It`s the ideal time to give the kids a taste of the Championship. It is a game we want to win, but as we are safe we need to start planning for the future.' said Fergie.

Charlie Coulson (16) , Kgosi Ntlhe (18) and Peter Grant (18) are all due to be named on the substitutes bench.

'All three lads are good players and it will do them a lot of good to be in and around the first team. They will all start on the bench, but I intend to get all three of them on the pitch.' continued Fergie.

Goalkeeper Joe Lewis is expected to leave London Road at the end of the season and unfortunately he`ll be missing for the final two matches as he is suffering from a minor knee complaint.

"It`s a shame Joe won`t be at the game as he is another who deserves a good send-off. He was a key player in our three promotions of recent years and the last time we played in the Championship he was everyone`s player of the year." added Fergie.

"No-one at the club has any problem with his decision not to sign a new contract. He turned out to be an excellent signing for the club."



Watford

Centre back Martin Taylor believes the win over Posh earlier in the season, kick started Watfords season: 'Peterborough score a lot of goals and overall they've had a decent season back in the Championship.

'The result earlier in the season could have been a bit of a turning point. I'm sure it will be a difficult game as they've got some good players.

'We've performed well over the last few weeks and we're looking to take that into the game.'


STATS & FACTS

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

A form guide to Posh and the Hornets can be found HERE.


HOTSHOTS

Peterborough United

17 - Barnett (13 for Crawley)
11 - Taylor
10 - Sinclair
8 - McCann
7 - Tomlin
7 - Boyd

Watford

9 - Troy Deeney
8 - Marvin Sordell
6 - Sean Murray
4 - John Eustace


REFEREE

PHIL GIBBS takes charge of this clash. Find out all his stats and when he has refereed Posh and the Hornets before HERE.

He will be assisted by Amy
Fearn and David Margetts.

The fourth official is Mark Howes.


PREDICTION

With nothing to play for, both teams should play without any pressure on their shoulders so it could be an open and entertaining match.

Vital Posh predicts an entertaining draw: 2 - 2.


UP THE POSH

Follow me on Twitter: @mwl1967

Photos/images courtesy of www.theposhpics.com

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