The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Fergie insists Accrington will provide Posh with a tough opening fixture
Posh boss Darren Ferguson has warned his players not to underestimate Accrington Stanley in the opening League One fixture of the season at the Wham Stadium.
Posh will start Saturday’s match as the newly-installed 13/2 joint favourites for the third tier title, while Accringtonareexpectedtostruggle in a season when the finances of the smaller clubs in the division will be stretched.
But Ferguson watched Accrington lose on penalties in their Carabao Cupfirst round tie at BurtonAlbionlastFriday and he was impressed.
“They were a typical John Coleman (manager) team,” Ferguson stated.
“Theyplayedgoodfootball, they were well organised and they caused a strong Burton team plenty of problems.
“They have lost some players in the summer, including acoupleofverygoodones, but they have been busy in the loan market and they usually use it very well.
“We will go up there with plenty of confidence, but this is not an easy starting fixture by any means. It is always a very difficult place to go and get a result.
“We will certainly need to play with intensity andtempo fromthekick-off. Wesawwhat will happenifwedon’tagainst Cheltenhamlastweekend. It’s vital we keep our standards high.
“Thisisgoingtobeonehectic eight-month season with matchescomingthickandfast andassuchit’sverydifficultto predict what will happen.
“We’re all still getting used to playing behind closed doors, but we believe we are ready andingreatshapetoenjoy a strong season.
“We want a fast start this season. We were slow out of the blocks last season and it ended up costing us.”
TeenagestrikerRicky-Jade JoneswillmisstheAccrington game because of an ankle in
jury. He is expected to return to training on Monday.
Defender Frazer BlakeTracyis aninjurydoubt, while one player will miss out after testing positive for coronavirus.
Striker Jonson-Clarke will
be involved, although most likely as a substitute as Posh are still getting him up to full fitness.
“Jonsonshoweduswhathe was about in his 45 minutes on Tuesday night,” Ferguson added.
“He has been given a programme to get himself up to the same levels of the other players and his attitude has been first-class.
“He will be involved for sure on Saturday.”
MoEisaisexpectedtostart up top alongside Siriki Dembele and Sammie Szmodics.
Summer signing Ryan Broom could move to a wingback role following the arrival of Szmodics with Joe Ward themantomissoutifthathappens.