Adver sport's guide to this weekend's opposition: PETERBOROUGH UNITED

The Chalkboard

Swindon Advertiser:

United's Michael Smith

GRAHAM Westley promised to maintain Peterborough’s attacking style when he took over at London Road at the end of September, and has so far been true to his word.
Supporters will be pleased of a return of six points from his first three games in charge and they have not been short on entertainment, with those matches serving up a total of 15 goals.
Westley went gung-ho in his selection last time out, although injuries somewhat forced his hand as he named a daring 4-1-5 line-up.
But that boldness paid off as they saw off Millwall in a 5-3 thriller.
However, the Posh are likely to revert to their preferred 4-4-2 formation against Town, which includes a diamond midfield.
United have used that system under previous regimes led by Darren Ferguson and then Dave Robertson, and the players are comfortable with it.
Michael Bostwick will provide the anchor in midfield in front of an experienced back four, which includes the likes of Michael Smith and Gabriel Zakuani.
Marcus Maddison will be the chief creater in the middle of the park, and Lee Angol looks a livewire up front, netting four goals in his five Peterborough appearances since joining from Luton.

Likely line-up

Swindon Advertiser:

A man in form: Marcus Maddison

Swindon Advertiser:

Marcus Maddison in action at the County Ground last season

MIDFIELDER Marcus Maddison started the season on fire for Peterborough, netting four goals in the opening five games.
Although that strike rate has somewhat stalled in recent games, with the 22-year-old finding the net just once in his last nine appearances, Maddison is no less influential for the Posh.
He created two of Peterborough’s five goals in their thrilling win over Millwall last time out and continues to be the creative spark in the middle of the park.
United are keen to attack when possible and although Maddison will likely start on the left of a diamond in the Posh midfield, he can easily switch to play between the front two to have a greater influence on the play if needed.
That all depends on whether he does play in Wiltshire, though, as boss Graham Westley is sweating over his fitness. Maddison was limping come the final whistle against Millwall and has so far sat out training this week.

Treatment room

Swindon Advertiser:

Ben Alnwick

GOALKEEPER Ben Alnwick is Peterborough’s big worry ahead of their trip to Wiltshire.
The former Spurs stopper was forced off with a back injury after only half-an-hour in the 5-3 win over Millwall last weekend and has so far sat out training this week.
Youngster Dion-Curtis Henry came on to replace him but has spent this week away from the Posh, instead training with Premier League side Leicester, who are interested in signing him.
Colchester’s Chris Lewington is believed to be on manager Graham Westley’s radar should he need to find someone to fill in between the sticks.
Chris Forrester returned as a second half substitute in the Millwall triumph but should be fit to start on Saturday.
Harry Beautyman, Kgosi Ntlhe, Joe Gormley and Jack Baldwin are all long-term absentees, while Erhun Oztumer is suspended.
There is some good news for the Posh, though, as Jermaine Anderson is available again after serving a ban of his own.

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Sat, Sep 12, Skybet League 1

5-1 win v Oldham (a)

 

Sat, Sep 19, Skybet League 1

(1-1) draw v Walsall (h)

 

Sat, Sep 26, Skybet League 1

2-0 win v Bradford (a)

 

Tues, Sep 29, Skybet League 1

3-2 defeat v Bury (h)

 

Sat, Oct 3, Skybet League 1

5-3 win v Millwall (h)

 

Goalscorers

Marcus Maddison: 5

Lee Angol: 4

Souleymane Coulibaly: 3

 

Discipline

Erhun Oztumer: 1R

Jermaine Anderson: 2Y 1R

Gabriel Zakuani: 1Y 1R

 

The Stat

Just one goalless draw has occurred between these two sides in the last 40 years - the teams have met 45 times.