, Should Peterborough United make changes for this weekend’s clash with Scunthorpe United?

Should Peterborough United make changes for this weekend’s clash with Scunthorpe United?

Peterborough United’s performances have been on a downhill slide in recent weeks, going three games without a win in League One and five matches without a win in front of their home crowd at London Road.

Peterborough United got off to an electric start this season, with Steve Evans’ almost completely refurbished squad storming to five wins from their first five League One matches. Defensive worries of past seasons seemed to have finally been addressed, and a brand new attack was tearing opponents’ defences apart.

However, the displays of recent weeks have started become a cause for concern for manager Steve Evans, players and Posh fans. Posh conceded just five goals in the first six games of the League One season, and in their decline, in six games they have let in 14 goals.

The defence has come under heavy criticism, and rightly so. Two of the most heavily criticised players have been left-back Colin Daniel and ‘keeper Aaron Chapman. However, fellow defenders Rhys Bennett, Ryan Tafazolli and Jason Naismith are not immune from criticism, with the quality of displays from all defenders dropping in recent weeks.

However, changes to the defence are unlikely. Left-back Tyler Denton – loaned in from Leeds United -, goalkeeper Conor O’Malley and centre-back Josh Yorwerth are all in doubt for this weekend’s against Scunthorpe United, leaving defensive options at a minimum.

Changes to the midfield in recent weeks have seen Scotsman Mark O’Hara dropped, with Callum Cooke and Jamie Walker both coming into the middle of the park. Winger Joe Ward’s stellar displays have slowed down, leading to changes on the right hand side. Sikiri Dembele has still been a threat on occasions, but has been complacent in holding onto the ball too much at times.

The attack has not faltered too much, however. Jason Cummings’ private issues led to him being dropped from the squad, but Ivan Toney has stepped up in the Scotsman’s absence. Godden and Cummings were reunited against Brighton and Hove Albion’s Under-21’s, and both scored to put Posh 2-0 up – before a second half capitulation, leading to a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes and a penalty shoot-out defeat.

Playmaker Marcus Maddison has been suffering with illness over the past few days, so could miss out on the starting eleven this weekend. Steve Evans could return to the side that saw Posh go unbeaten in the early stages of the season, consisting of: Chapman; Naismith, Bennett, Tafazolli, Daniel; Ward, Woodyard, O’Hara, Dembele; Cummings, Godden.

Loaned in playmaker Jamie Walker could make his way into the side, and Ivan Toney could keep his place in the starting side against one of his former sides this weekend.

Official team news will be available from the club’s Twitter page one hour before kick off.

Previous Article
, Peterborough united striker reflects on his time at this Saturday’s opponents – but prioritizes three points

Peterborough united striker reflects on his time at this Saturday's opponents - but prioritizes three points

Next Article

Norwich City starlet linked with Arsenal and Chelsea signs long term deal

Related Posts