Read the match preview ahead of the clash with Derby County at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Peterborough United welcome Wayne Rooney’s Derby County to the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday lunchtime (12.30) as Darren Ferguson’s men look forward to their first game at home in the Sky Bet Championship for nearly a decade.
After a difficult start with defeats at Luton Town and against Plymouth Argyle in the first round of the Carabao Cup, Posh will be looking to get off and running against the Rams who are unbeaten in their first two fixtures of the campaign.
The game is live on Sky Football, the first of two fixtures in the month of August to be selected for coverage. Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is the co-commentator.
TEAM NEWS
Posh are hopeful that Siriki Dembele could be named in the squad for the first time this season. He has been struggling with an Achilles problem but manager Darren Ferguson has rated his chances as 50-50 for this weekend’s clash. Striker Jack Marriott and midfielder Jack Taylor are both doubts as they continue their comebacks from injury.
Derby County are expected to start former Manchester United and West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison in their starting line-up. He scored a free-kick in midweek in the Carabao Cup success. The Rams don’t have a big squad due to financial constraints, but could still field a side packed full of experience including defenders Curtis Davies and Phil Jagielka.
FROM THE GAFFER
“I watched Derby’s game with Huddersfield and they played well, they were solid and organised and they have a lot of good players. I know they have had some difficulties, but it is still a good XI they can name. For us though, it is about getting back to our level of standards, we have fallen below that in the first couple of games. It is our first home league game, it should be a good crowd and it is live on the TV, we are looking forward to it,” Darren Ferguson said.
FROM THE OPPOSITION
“We are preparing the team and preparing for how we want to play, what ideas we have for the game and being ready to try and get three points. I know it will be a tough game. It’s Peterborough’s first league game at home of the season so I’m sure their supporters will be right behind them.
“They haven’t had a great start in the league or the cup, we know that, but we are expecting them to bounce back from that and we know it will be a tough game. We have to do everything we can to go there and get three points,” Rooney said.
TICKET NEWS
Blocks A & B in the Main North Stand are now on sale to Posh supporters for Saturday's clash vs. Derby County. Save ahead of matchday by purchasing your tickets now. You can purchase tickets here:
Event Information Screen Online Ticketing
The Box Office will be open from 9am on Saturday.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are urging supporters to arrive at the stadium early to ensure a safe entry into the stadium. Please adhere to social distancing within the concourses of the stadium and please be mindful of others and respect their decisions around COVID-19.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
The match referee is David Webb.