Ferguson facing stick or twist call heading to Rams
DARREN FERGUSON faces a selection dilemma over restoring Ricky-jade Jones or continuing with Jonson Clarke-harris when Peterborough travel to face play-off rivals Derby.
Clarke-harris is expected to leave in January, but the striker marked a shock recall with a crucial brace against Barnsley.
Ferguson said: “Jonno knows his time is up at the club as he’s likely to get a move in January. I told him he was going to play as we needed to give Ricky a rest and that he has nothing to prove, so to go out and play his normal game.”
Posh hope to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in the league against a Derby side who have won eight of their past nine.
Table-topping Portsmouth could only muster a 0-0 draw with Exeter last time out to extend their winless run to three with their lead cut to two points.
Pompey take on Stevenage, who will fancy their chances of cementing their play-off position and could restore Kane Hemmings to the starting XI after coming on as a late sub last time out.
At the other end of the table, Reading could supplant Exeter when the two sides meet at the Madejski Stadium.
Four of the Royals’ recent five games have ended in draws and boss Ruben Selles could rotate with Kelvin Ehibhationham and Ben Elliott pushing to start.
Ryan Sweeney is a doubt for Burton after he was subbed off in their 1-0 win over Shrewsbury. The Brewers head to Bolton, who are in fine form having won 13 of their past 16 matches in all competitions.
Lincoln head to Blackpool without Paudie O’connor after his second red card of the season last time out.
The centre-back is set to be replaced by Alex Mitchell, while Ethan Erhahon is also sidelined as the Imps look to start the New Year by ending a three-game losing run against a Blackpool side smarting from being on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat away at Port Vale.
Having squandered a 2-0 lead last outing, Oxford travel to Charlton hoping to right some wrongs, while the Addicks need to snap a five-game winless run.
Fleetwood start life without Lee Johnson after his sacking yesterday. The Fleet having picked up just two points out of their previous 21 and head to Shrewsbury, who have doubts over Max Mata.
Wigan could rotate when they take on Barnsley away ahead of an FA Cup date with Manchester United, while Leyton Orient have doubts over Ruel Sotiriou for their match with Cambridge.
Elsewhere, Port Vale will look to continue their form when they visit Carlisle, Cheltenham face a tricky test at Northampton and Wycombe Bristol Rovers.