The Opposition View: Peterborough United

Last updated : 26 September 2011 By Jim Bonner

Are you happy with your team's start to the season? Are you still expecting a struggle against relegation in the coming months?

Definitely. Last time we were here it took us 8 games until we got our first win, and that set the tone for the season. This time we've come here with more belief, more realistic ambitions and a squad and management team who aren't so naive.

I'd still expect us to be near the bottom, but I think we're stronger than a few teams down there. I'd expect us to stay up comfortably, but in about 19th.

Darren Ferguson isn't everyone's favourite person but what do Posh fans think of him?

We love him really. There was bad feelings between him and the club when we parted ways last November, but we always had respect for what he achieved here and how he achieved it.

The football we play is entertaining, and we've been successful (3 promotions in 4 years isn't bad!). He came back with a point to prove, and he did it. We've forgotten the past issues. Some clubs and managers are just made for each other and work, and I believe this is one. We've both seen have we've fared without eachother. He failed at Preston, we failed with Cooper, Gannon & Johnson.

He's not as bad tactically as people make out either. He's not had great success at Championship level, but if we do stay up, it'll easily be the biggest achievement he's had, we've had, and maybe some doubters will come around.

Are you happy with the strength of your squad? How much do you miss Craig Mackail-Smith?

I'd say yes I am happy. We've got a shoestring budget compared to most of the teams in this league with the exception of a few, so we have to be pleased. We've not looked out of place in any game so far and we've got good depth.

Any team would miss a player of Craig's quality. No-one will ever match his work rate which means we've had to change the way we play slightly. Before we could play balls to literally anywhere and know he'll chase it down (and most probably get it!), but we can't now. So we're a lot more careful in possession which isn't really a bad thing! Obviously his goals were a big part too, but now that he's gone we seem to be sharing them. McCann is really helping from midfield and hopefully Boyd will slot a few more soon too.

There always seems to be goals galore when Peterborough are involved in a football match but the goals have dried up recently. Why is this?

We just haven't been clinical enough recently. Snatching at chances a bit, which is unlike us but every team has a little dry spell at some point. The way we play we'll always create chances and we'll always give the opposition chances, which often leads for entertaining games but we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal. It'll come again. Once a few go in, we'll start seeing us back to normal!

Not much is known about this current Posh team. Who are the key players in the side?

Mark Little at right back is a massive player for us this year. We play a diamond formation so it's key that the full backs attack and he's supreme at it. Very quick and he's been excellent. Grant McCann at the base of the diamond & George Boyd at the tip are both big players for us too. McCann has excellent passing range & set piece delivery, and most people know George Boyd is one of those special players who can create something out of nothing.

Quick mention for the centre back pairing of Gabriel Zakuani & Ryan Bennett too. Not many strikers make mugs of these two. Luckily for you, I think Zakuani will be out as he's been playing with a broken foot and having pain killing injections without training, and 3 games in a week will probably be too much for that situation. Although saying that, he played in the Play off games with a dislocated shoulder so I guess there's a chance he'll once again get on with it. He's a bit of a hero.

What is the biggest weakness of your team?

The way we play always gifts the opposition chances. This isn't the fault of the defence, it's just because we like to attack so we're caught on the counter a bit, so any team will always gain chances, and if they're clinical oin front of goal they'll score. I guess that's the main one. We're quite narrow in the middle as well which often causes problems as the full backs attack leaving space on the wings.

Pompey have had a slow start to the season and were fortunate to beat Blackpool on Saturday. Do you think Peterborough can come to Fratton Park and win or would you take a draw if offered now?

I'd take a point quite happily. We're strong at home so we just need as many points as possible away from home. Portsmouth have a good squad, and getting a point there would be excellent. Of course there is a chance of three because we create a lot, but realistically, a point would be a brilliant result for us.

Predict the outcome of the match.

I'm awful with predictions to be honest! It'll be an open game, i know that for sure, I'd say 2-2 if pushed!