PREVIEW: Stats and dangermen as Town visit a Peterborough side in form, at least on paper

On paper Peterborough United look like a side in daunting form ahead of Chesterfield's visit to London Road on Saturday.
Peterborough vs Chesterfield - Jay O'Shea beats Peterborough's Marcus Maddison to the ball - Pic By James WilliamsonPeterborough vs Chesterfield - Jay O'Shea beats Peterborough's Marcus Maddison to the ball - Pic By James Williamson
Peterborough vs Chesterfield - Jay O'Shea beats Peterborough's Marcus Maddison to the ball - Pic By James Williamson

The Posh, who haven’t lost to Town in three outings, have racked up five wins and a draw in their last seven matches in all competitions.

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But according Peterborough Telegraph chief sports writer Alan Swann, the results don’t tell the entire story for League One’s sixth-placed side.

“They haven’t been playing as well as those statistics would suggest,” he said.

“They have a stronger defence and goalkeeper than in recent seasons, but they lack a presence up front, especially as striker Lee Angol, who has just started playing after a long absence with a broken leg, was sent off last weekend and starts a three-game ban.”

Chesterfield can expect to come up against a side who play ‘the right way’ unlike so many of their League One rivals, and there are a number of Peterborough players in form.

“They play a midfield diamond,” said Swann.

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“They try to be positive and pass the ball on the floor, but the lack of a quality striker hurts them.

“Goalkeeper Luke McGee on loan from Spurs has been excellent.

“Centre-backs Michael Bostwick and Ryan Tafazolli have been very good.

“Marcus Maddison is the team’s creative force. He has the most assists in League One.

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“And young midfielder Leo da Silva Lopes, just turned 18, is one to watch. “

Peterborough are likely to form up in a 4-1-2-1-2, a variation of the traditional 4-4-2 with Chris Forrester in front of the back four and Maddison, who also has six goals to his name this season, behind the front two.

Likely line-up: Luke McGee, Michael Smith, Michael Bostwick, Ryan Tafazolli, Andrew Hughes, Chris Forrester, Leo Da Silva Lopes, Gwion Edwards, Marcus Maddison, Shaquile Coulthirst, Paul Taylor.