Darren Ferguson's fourth stint as Peterborough United manager started on a positive note earlier this week, as the Posh claimed an impressive 2-0 away victory over Port Vale.
Peterborough welcome Charlton Athletic to the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Londoners trailing the Cambridgeshire outfit by four points in the League One table.
Match preview
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Ferguson could not have wished for a better return to the Peterborough dugout on Monday, as the Posh defeated Port Vale to move up to seventh in the standings – two points shy of the playoff places.
Following a goalless first half, Ephron Mason-Clark bagged a quick-fire brace after the break to secure all three points for the visitors, who limited the hosts to very few clear-cut chances on the night.
The Posh parted ways with Grant McCann following a 3-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on New Year's Day, opening the door for Ferguson, whose third spell as Peterborough manager only ended in February 2022.
Having guided Peterborough to four promotions over the years, Ferguson will be confident of breaking into the top six and taking the club back to the Championship, whether that be via the playoffs or automatic promotion.
Although Peterborough have struggled for consistency this season – registering 12 wins, two draws and 11 losses in the league – they have won eight of their 12 home games, while only Bolton Wanderers boast a better defensive record on home soil.
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Charlton also find themselves under the guidance of a new manager following the sacking of Ben Garner, who was relieved of his duties in December after overseeing a five-game winless run in the league.
Funnily enough, new boss Dean Holden's first match came against Peterborough on Boxing Day, with the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, despite the visitors racking up 19 shots at the Valley.
Holden lost his second game in charge, as Charlton suffered a 3-1 defeat to Oxford United, but the former Bristol City manager has revitalised the Addicks in 2023, guiding them to three successive league wins since the turn of the year.
It is also worth noting that Charlton gave a good account of themselves at Old Trafford last week, limiting Manchester United to a single goal before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score twice in second-half stoppage time.
Following victories over Portsmouth, Lincoln City and Barnsley, Charlton are now just six points outside the playoffs and will fancy their chances of breaking into the top six under Holden.
Team News
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Peterborough midfielder Oliver Norburn is still waiting to make his first appearance of the campaign, as the Grenada international continues to recover from an ACL tear sustained back in March 2022.
After joining the Posh on loan from Burnley earlier this month, goalkeeper Will Norris made his debut in the victory over Port Vale and is expected to keep his place between the sticks following Monday's clean sheet.
Another January signing, Swansea City loanee Nathanael Ogbeta, could make his debut on Saturday after failing to make it off the bench last time out.
Following Craig MacGillivray's recent move to Burton Albion, Ashley Maynard-Brewer looks set to be Charlton's first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the campaign.
Holden has no fresh injury concerns on his plate, meaning he may be reluctant to change the starting XI that dispatched Barnsley 2-0 last weekend.
Peterborough United possible starting lineup:
Norris; Thompson, Kent, Edwards, Butler; Taylor, Kyprianou; Ward, Poku, Mason-Clark; Clarke-Harris
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:
Maynard-Brewer; Clare, Inniss, Ness, Kane; Payne, Dobson, Fraser; Rak-Sakyi, Leaburn, Campbell
We say: Peterborough United 1-1 Charlton Athletic
Peterborough have enjoyed plenty of success on home soil this season, but Charlton will be brimming with belief after racking up three consecutive wins in the league.
With that in mind, a draw feels like the most probable outcome on Saturday, as both sides will likely be happy to share the points and avoid defeat.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
