Posh at the Gate

Yet another international break gives way to moans of relief from football fans nationwide and City fans in particular are happy to see the Robins back in action with a busy schedule packed with home fixtures.

After picking up an important point at Newcastle a fortnight ago, only a handful of players have been involved in international action but the rest are sure to have trained with confidence. A small congratulation to Lewin Nyatanga for picking up his 30th cap for Wales at the tender age of 21, may he earn many more too.

In an interview with the BBC, Gary Johnson claims he has been pressing the importance of scoring goals to the lads which will be music to many fans’ ears (including mine) and we certainly have the attacking talent to produce them. Clarkson has been in great form for the reserves, and with Saborio a doubt to play after only recently playing for his native Costa Rica, he could be in with a shout. Of course, Haynes or Sproule (why) could also feature in the forward line with Maynard.

Peterborough arrive at the Gate today sitting one place above bottom of the Championship with only 8 points to their name, two of those from away games. Their forward line was renowned for scoring goals in the lower leagues and although they have only failed to score in two league games this season they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league.

Vital Quotes:

Posh bosh Barry Ferguson had this to say ahead of the game:

‘Bristol City are an excellent side at Ashton Gate, they are a well-organised team and they know the Championship very well. They have some good players and it will be a tough test for us’.

City manager Gary Johnson wants to continue to make Ashton Gate a difficult place to visit:

‘We’ve had some good results at Ashton Gate already this season…We’ve asked the lads to make this place a fortress and we’ve got a good opportunity in the next four games to continue our good run.’

Bristol City Team News:

Liam Fontaine is suffering from an ankle injury while youngsters Brian Wilson (shin) and Christian Ribeiro (groin) will play not part in the squad either.Alvaro Saborio’s fitness will be assessed ahead of the game on Saturday but is a doubt after only arriving back in Bristol in the later hours of Friday. Lewin Nyatanga will be also be assessed after playing for Wales during the break. Paul Hartley is back to training after his illness, but it is unclear whether he will feature after not yet fully match fit.

Player to watch: Nicky Maynard

Maynard will lead the line today and against a Posh side that leak goals, stands a great chance at bagging a few. Johnson will surely be looking to him for goals and after news that training has been attack-minded over the last week and I’ve no doubt that Maynard would have been central in those sessions.

Peterborough United Team News:

Tom Williams and Craig Morgan will have their fitness assessed ahead of the game but Paul Coutts is out for several weeks with a foot injury.

Player to watch: George Boyd

On present form it is hard to find a form player, but George Boyd is arguably Posh’s best goal threat. You would hope that City will score a goal or two so Posh would need to score to get anything from the game.

Match Facts & Stats

City are unbeaten at home since December 2008. Nicky Maynard has the most shots on goal in the Championship (24)

Peterborough United have lost their last three games in the league and have not kept a clean sheet all season. They are also hunting their first away win.