Tim Stoodley looks ahead to Sunday's Emirates FA Cup tie at Notts County.
Two polar opposites, at least in terms of form, clash in the Emirates FA Cup at Meadow Lane this Sunday at 2pm. Notts County, struggling in League Two and with just one win in their last eight matches, take on a Grant McCann side who before their defeat to Scunthorpe, last-time out, were on a five-match winning streak across all competitions.Posh have a good record against the world's oldest football league club, having beaten their opponents 19 times in the clubs history - that coming across 44 fixtures. In this competition alone Posh have a 100% record having played two and won two, with both games being played in Nottinghamshire and on both occasions Posh produced a shut-out.
The cup is often seen as the competition where form disappears though and so Posh will need to be wary, despite hanging just above the relegation zone and on a streak of three defeats, John Sheridan's side have plenty of attacking experience and goals in the shape of Jon Stead and Jonathan Forte.
Notts Country required a replay to see off non-league side Boreham Wood to get to this stage, Posh meanwhile cruised through round one with a home victory over Chesham. More of the same will be the requirement for the expected large following to Meadow Lane.
Posh fans should enjoy the away day at the all-seated ground of Meadow Lane. A brisk 10 minute walk away from the train station, fans wishing to enjoy a few cold ones should stay on the Notts Forest side of the Trent, as generally The Trent Navigation Inn and The Supports Club Bar (both on Meadow Lane) are seen as home fans only.
The key figures:
League positions; Notts County - 19th (L2) Peterborough United - 6th (L1)
Last five; Notts County - LWLLL Peterborough United - WWWWL
Previous meeting; 24/01/2015 (League One) - Notts County 1-2 Peterborough United
Average attendances (2015/16); Notts County - 4,860 Peterborough United - 5,447
Top Scorer; Notts County - Jon Stead (9) Peterborough United - Marcus Maddison & Tom Nichols (6)
Interesting fact: As well as being the oldest football league club (founded in 1862), they are also the first club credited with employing the offside-trap. Now widely used around-the-world, the origins of tactic are born back to Meadow Lane.
Posh are expected to travel well to this one, with the promise of a potential Premier League tie awaiting the winners. Posh are riding high and a large swell of supports have brought tickets in advance for this game (circa 1,200 as of Friday morning). Tickets are on general sale at www.theposhtickets.com, via the Ticketmaster hotline 0844 847 1934* and in person at the ABAX Stadium Box Office. Tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance - £15 for adults, £10 for concessions (18-21s and seniors 60+) and £5 for juniors under 18. The price rises by £2 on match day for adult and concession prices. The junior rate will remain at £5. Coach travel is provided by foreverposh and Tourmaster Coaches - members are £11.50 and non-members £14.50 with the coach departing at 10.30am.
*calls cost 7ppm plus your network access fee.