Manager Steve Bleasdale has described Peterborough United's local derby with Northampton Town as 'massive', but believes the 90 minutes will be a 'tense, close affair'.

The Cobblers have broken their club record for clean sheets this season and have the best defensive record in League Two. However, Posh are going for the double over their local rivals after the 1-0 victory at Sixfields earlier in the campaign.

Bleasdale told theposh.com: 'The pitch is obviously not the best and both sides like to get the ball down and play. I don't think the pitch is conducive to that style of play. I am sure it will be a tense game, Northampton don't concede many goals, so I am sure it will be tight.

'I am sure it will be a battle on the pitch. Northampton have done very well of late and are obviously going for automatic promotion. We know what to expect, we are prepared and raring to go. It should be a great game,' Bleasdale said.

The Posh boss has called on his team to win their individual battles on the pitch after he was critical of the display at Oxford United last weekend when United slipped to a 1-0 defeat.

'You must win your own battles on the pitch. This league is all about digging in. Everyone must give 100%. We have worked hard in training this week, the lads have been bouncing around and they have looked impressive during the sessions,' Bleasdale added.