Posh host Leyton Orient this evening in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at London Road (7.45pm).

Peterborough United entertain Leyton Orient at London Road on Tuesday evening in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy (7.45pm).

The O's defeated Posh in the play-off semi-finals last term and are among the favourites to clinch promotion this term after a summer of investment at the Matchroom Stadium.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson has spoken about the importance of a strong defence of the trophy that his side won at Wembley Stadium against Chesterfield.

'We want to go as far as we can in this competition and I will be playing the strongest side that I can. Leyton Orient are a strong side and it is probably the toughest side we could have faced at this stage in the competition.

'The game is live on Sky Sports and we want to put on a good showing. It is the start of three home games in a row and we want to put in good performances,' Ferguson said.

The Posh boss will include new signing Luke James in his squad after the striker completed his move from Hartlepool United ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday.

Marcus Maddison is pushing for a start after a lively cameo from the substitute's bench at Colchester United, but Posh are without Gabriel Zakuani and Kenny McEvoy who are both away on international duty.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Jack Baldwin, Erhun Oztumer and Michael Bostwick are all set to miss out, although Baldwin and Bostwick could return on Saturday. Jon Taylor remains a doubt with a knee injury.

Tickets are on sale at www.theposhtickets.com, via the Ticketmaster Hotline 0844 847 1934 or in person at the London Road Box Office.

Former Posh striker Craig Mackail-Smith is the studio guest for Sky Sports.