Peterborough United will look to pick up their first League One win of September as they host Port Vale at the Weston Homes Stadium.
The Posh have been unfortunate not to earn any points in their three games this month, according to manager Grant McCann after defeats at Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers as well as a rare home loss at the hands of Fleetwood Town saw his side drop to tenth.
Vale have gone the whole month including the win against Shrewsbury Town last weekend, which has seen them rise to 13th in the table – level on points with their opponents this weekend – with three wins, draws and defeats so far this campaign.
Both are off the back of big wins in the EFL Trophy in midweek and there is a chance for either team to jump into the playoff places thanks to the multiple postponements due to the international break.
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Team News
Peterborough will be without defensive sensation Ronnie Edwards who is away with the England Under-20s squad and striker Joe Taylor who earned his first call up to the Wales Under-21s side.
Frankie Kent will deputise for Edwards at the back, and Dan Butler could be in line for his first league appearance of the season after a lengthy absence with injury.
McCann faces a dilemma over his formation, with Jack Marriott pushing to start alongside Jonson-Clarke-Harris meaning a switch to a 3-5-2 formation might be required.
Joe Ward will likely come in on the right side of midfield after recovering from his knock, but Oliver Norburn and Harvey Cartwright both remain out with long-term problems.
The Valiants will be without striker Jamie Proctor for an extended period of time, as he underwent hip surgery last week.
Dennis Politic will be pushing to lead the line instead after a hat-trick in their 4-0 rout at Shrewsbury in the Trophy in midweek, partnering top scorer Ellis Harrison.
Funso Ojo and Ben Garrity will likely re-form their midfield partnership after a rest in midweek, and Mal Benning could come back in at left-wing back.
Goalkeeper Jack Stevens was also rested but should return in place of Aidan Stone.
Darrell Clarke has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Cambridgeshire.
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Potential starting line-ups
Bergstrom; N.Thompson, Kent, Knight; Ward, Fuchs, Taylor, Burrows; Poku; Clarke-Harris, Marriott
Stevens; Jones, Smith, Cass; Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning; Harrison; Butterworth, Politic
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Key players
Peterborough United – Lucas Bergstrom
Many Posh fans were sceptical following the arrival of the Finland shotstopper, with many suggesting his lack of experience in senior football would be costly throughout the season.
However, Bergstrom has been a revelation between the sticks at London Road, winning over his doubters with a string of impressive performances in the early stages of this season.
His imposing height makes him able to claim crosses comfortably, even if his slender build might make him susceptible to being knocked around a bit in the box.
The Chelsea loanee has made a host of quality saves to keep Peterborough in games when they were under pressure.
The Posh should be very thankful to The Blues for allowing their prodigy to join them for the season, and Port Vale will do well to beat him on Saturday.
Port Vale – Ellis Harrison
One man hoping to do just that is the Valiants’ top scorer Harrison.
He has hit the ground running since he arrived from Fleetwood in August, finding himself in joint second place in the race for the golden boot.
Harrison is a menace in the box, with all five of his goals so far coming from inside the box.
His aerial ability is good, with three of his strikes coming with his head but also in possession where he likes to flick the ball on to his teammates.
The striker’s strength in holding up the ball is also a big part in why he is so difficult to play against, and he gets fouled often with his back to goal.
With half of his side’s goals this season, Harrison will be hoping to add to his tally against what was a Championship back-line last season.
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Match details
Where is the match?
Peterborough United vs Port Vale is at the Weston Homes Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
The game is a 3pm BST kick-off, with Anthony Backhouse the referee.
How to watch?
Highlights of the game will be available after full-time, on ITV’s EFL Highlights show. Oversees viewers can watch the game via the two clubs streaming channels.