Derby vs Peterborough: League One Preview, Gameweek 6, 2022

Peterborough United could go top of League One when they face Derby County at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

Posh currently sit second and are one point behind leaders Ipswich Town, who host Barnsley this weekend. A draw could be enough to send Grant McCann's side top should the Tractor Boys lose.

Peterborough won 4-0 at home to Lincoln City last weekend before a 1-0 defeat at League Two Stevenage saw them exit the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. McCann made nine changes for the trip to the Lamex Stadium.

The Rams beat Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at Pride Park in their second-round tie thanks to Louie Sibley's first-half strike. Liam Rosenior's men have a 100 per cent home record in league and cup and will travel to Liverpool in Round Three.

Derby had 27 attempts in their last League One fixture but could only draw 0-0 at Fleetwood Town. They have not scored away in the league this season, with a goalless draw at Shrewsbury Town and 1-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic in their other outings.

The Rams sit outside the play-off places in eighth, behind sixth-placed Charlton on goal difference.

Team news

Derby County

Derby will still be without injured captain Curtis Davies (quad muscle), while fellow centre-back James Chester continues his recovery from an Achilles injury.

Goalkeeper Joseph Anang is set to be out for six weeks, with the West Ham United loanee sustaining an arm injury in training last week.

Former Posh winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could return after missing the victory against West Brom due to personal reasons.

Striker David McGoldrick impressed in midweek and could keep his place.

Peterborough United

Long-term absentees Dan Butler and Oliver Norburn remain sidelined for the visitors, along with defender Emmanuel Fernandez.

First-choice goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom was ruled out with a slight ankle issue against Stevenage but is likely to be back in action. Fellow shot-stopper Harvey Cartwright should return to the squad following a thigh problem.

Forward Ephron Mason-Clark arrived from Vanarama National League side Barnet on Friday and is available for selection.

Likely lineups

Derby County

Wildsmith; Knight, Stearman, Cashin, Roberts; Bird, Hourihane; Dobbin, Sibley, Barkhuizen; McGoldrick.

Peterborough United

Bergstrom; N. Thompson, Edwards, Kent; Ward, Taylor, Fuchs, B. Thompson, Burrows; Clarke-Harris, Marriott.

Key players

Conor Hourihane

Midfielder Hourihane joined the Rams this summer after leaving Premier League side Aston Villa at the end of his contract.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international is already proving to be a key member of Rosenior's squad. He scored the winner in Derby's opening day win against Oxford United, and his corner led to Barnsley's own goal in the Rams' last home league match, which they won 2-1.

His set-piece ability is a valuable asset, while his passing could unlock any defence in the division.

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Jack Marriott

Ex-Derby striker Marriott rejoined Posh in 2021 after leaving them for the Rams three years prior.

The 27-year-old scored seven league goals in his first season with Derby and added three more in the playoffs. Marriott's brace in the semi-final second-leg helped the Rams famously beat Leeds United at Elland Road. However, his goal at Wembley Stadium was not enough to stage a comeback against Aston Villa as they lost the final 2-1.

Injuries disrupted his time in the East Midlands, and he had an unsuccessful loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday before returning to Cambridgeshire.

He bagged nine Championship goals for Peterborough last season and already has three this campaign, while also providing one assist.

Will he add to last weekend's brace and get the better of his former side?

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