Posh
For 40 minutes, Posh weren't too bad on Tuesday. But that doesn't take away from the capitulation that eventually took place. We were all over the place defensively and didn't look like we were ever going to create enough chances to compete with Southend.
Dominic Ball could come back into contention after being dropped to the bench on Tuesday, as two games in a week might come too soon for Jack Baldwin. Having said that, Michael Bostwick also looked a bit leggy towards the end of Tuesdays game, so at least one of them is likely to play. Chris Forrester and Anthony Grant are still suspended, so Ball could feature either at the heart of the defence, or in front of the back four.
Martin Samuelsen didn't have much of an affect on Tuesday's game, so I'd expect him to start on the bench on Saturday. Paul Taylor could come back in to the line up, whilst Brad Inman will also probably be in contention. Harry Anderson is nearing a return but still has some work to do, so I wouldn't expect to see him in the match day squad this weekend.
Tom Nichols could also return to the line up after his goal on Tuesday night. Craig Mackail-Smith is his likely strike partner, as Junior Morias could drop to the bench. Lee Angol may also be in the question but I imagine he'll be amongst the subs again.
My predicted line-up (click image to enlarge):
Subs: Tyler, Binnom-Williams, Baldwin, Samuelsen, Inman, Angol, Morias
Rochdale
Posh's opponents are on a run of 7 games without a win in all competitions, but still sit one place above Posh in the League One table. Their last match was a 3-3 draw to Charlton Athletic, where former Posh man Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored 6 minutes from time to rescue a point for Keith Hill's team.
Calvin Andrew is one of Dale's main goal threats, and will be one to watch if he gets the nod to start against Posh on Saturday. He was among the scorers in the game against Charlton, and will be looking to continue his run against a fragile Posh defence. Ian Henderson is also a threat, and scored against Posh on the opening day of the season. Posh won 3-2 on the day, thanks to a last minute diving header from Gwion Edwards.
Steven Davies signed a new one year deal with our visitors recently, but may miss the game through injury. Mendez-Laing could earn a start, but may have to settle for a place on the bench against his former employers.
It seems Dale's defence may be just as fragile as Posh's, so if Posh can create a few chances, we might be in for a high scoring game, for a change (not meaning to tempt fate, of course).
Prediction: Posh 2-1 Rochdale - I don't know why, but I've gone for a Posh win. Dale's defence looks dodgy and if Posh's can hold firm, I reckon we're fully capable of snatching all three points on Saturday. I'm also backing CMS to bag his 100th goal in front of the London Road End to win the game, so I've got everything crossed for tomorrow's game.
Follow me on Twitter: @TomLea_
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