Just three points separate rivals Peterborough United and Northampton Town in the League One table, making this clash not only about local pride, but also crucial for both teams’ seasons.
Peterborough arrive without their star performer Kwame Poku, sidelined by injury. Poku’s absence couldn’t come at a worse time; the dynamic midfielder recently won the League One Player of the Month award twice in succession, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s attack.
His creativity and flair will be sorely missed as Posh look to break down Northampton’s defense.
Peterborough’s recent form has been far from their early-season promise, with inconsistency in results undermining their push for a top-six spot. Manager Darren Ferguson will be eager to find a way to reinvigorate his side in the absence of his talisman.
Northampton Town's Struggles
While Peterborough wrestle with Poku’s absence, Northampton have their own significant issues.
The Cobblers are managerless, with interim leadership struggling to steady the ship after a poor run of results. Adding to their woes, goalkeeper Lee Burge and striker Tom Eaves are unavailable, leaving them with a weakened spine against their fierce rivals.
Former boss Jon Brady resigned earlier in the week, meaning interim manager Ian Sampson will take charge for the Nene Derby this evening. Brady was the longest serving manager in the EFL, getting them promoted and keeping them up last season.
Their form has been just as concerning as Peterborough’s, with a string of disappointing results pushing them into the drop zone. However, the energy of a derby could serve as a motivating factor for the Cobblers as they look to regroup and fight for vital points.
Recent History
The Nene derby in recent history has been dominated by the blue side as they have been unbeaten in this fixture since 2008, this run came to an end however the last time Posh faced Northampton at Sixfields as they lost 1-0 away from home courtesy of a dubious Mitch Pinnock strike that was misread by goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic.
Peterborough got their revenge in the reverse fixture however drumming their local rivals 5-1 and painted the Nene blue once more.
Posh come into this fixture having only won two games in their last six matches with a defeat to League One strugglers Burton Albion at the Weston Homes Stadium, The Posh are struggling to find a rhythm and really kick on. The weakness is clear, the current squad has been defensively inept with a constant rotation of players in hopes to find the best balance to the squad.
It will be a good game with both teams needing a win to try and kick start their season, form goes out the window on Derby Day but a win for posh would mean back-to-back derby wins, beating Cambridge 6-1 last month.
Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Nicolas Bilokapic
Goalkeeper Bilokapic has been Peterborough's goalkeeper in recent times following an injury to Jed Steer earlier in the season, despite being inconsistent and struggles with his distribution Bilokapic is an amazing shot stopper and will prove imperative for Posh to keep the chances out of the net.
He will be hoping to make up for the mistake that would've kept the 16 year unbeaten run alive tonight, as well as prove that he can be Posh's number one goalkeeper even when Steer returns from injury.
Right Back: Jadel Katongo
Katongo is on loan from Manchester City and was apart of last seasons third place finish.
Despite losing to Oxford in the playoff semi-final, Jadel Katongo was widely loved and applauded for his efforts last season really coming alive when Peter Kioso was recalled in January, Katongo will be a key part to regaining defensive stability at the back with his expert ball playing ability and his vision of the game that will aid Posh in hopefully the first clean sheet of the season.
Centre Back: Emmanuel Fernandez
One of Peterborough's player of the season so far has been Fernandez and has been a key asset in the style of football Ferguson wants to play.
He has been given the chance by Ferguson to kick on this season having lost Ronnie Edwards and Josh Knight in the summer and he has done just that becoming a leader on the pitch and throwing himself at every adversity he has faced so far, despite the lack of a clean sheet there isn't anyone that deserves it more and hopefully he will be able to lead his defence into keeping the Cobblers’ attack quiet.
Centre Back: George Nevett
New summer signing and highly rated youth prospect George Nevett and makes up the centre back duo.
Despite his defensive struggles, his ball playing ability is a level above this current Peterborough squad.
Nevett came from Rochdale and has yet to have a proper run of games under Ferguson but when given the chance his vision has been impeccable and will be the key to the high possession and intensity Ferguson demands from his players.
Left Back: Jack Sparkes
Sparkes has been imperative to alot of Posh's attacking rhythm since he joined from Portsmouth in the summer, his crossing ability is spectacular, his defensive work hasn't been up to standard however and that appears to be why Ferguson is trying to find a solution experimenting with loanee Sam Curtis in that position.
However in a back three and playing in conditions under Storm Darragh, Sparkes' ability to cross the ball could be a key part to finding a crucial goal and causing pressure that The Cobblers may not be expecting.
Centre Midfielder: Archie Collins
The first name on the team-sheet, Collins has been one of the best players in League One this season with his ability to control the tempo of games as well as aiding to the defensive structure of the team (despite it not being where Ferguson would like it to be) allowing Fernandez to go on marauding runs giving us another option in ways to create chances.
Centre Midfielder: Hector Kyprianou
Fresh back from injury, Hector Kyprianou has returned from injury and could make his first start since the 1st of October where he picked up the injury away at Wigan Atheltic. He has been a massive miss in the squad and has a point to prove having a slower start to the season in comparison to how important he was last year.
His partnership with Collins is one of the best in the league and will be a massive boost to Ferguson's side for the Derby.
Creative Midfielder: Joel Randall
Despite his inconsistency's, Randall's creative outlet cannot be questioned. His close control and ability to set off counter attacks with our blistering pace at the top of the pitch makes him the number one candidate for the number 10 role.
Many fans would like to see summer signing Chris Conn-Clarke play tonight, however Joel Randall on his day is unstoppable and in a game we need to win, the tried and tested is the best way forward.
Right Wing: Malik Mothersille
Mothersille has been impeccable this year with his ability to scare defences with his skill and pace, despite lacking a clinical edge when going for goal at times there is no question to his role in making the front three so frightening.
He is another player that has been allowed to flourish this season having being kept out by Ephron Mason-Clark last year but since he has been given the opportunity he has contributed to the teams offence scoring five with three assists in the 17 League appearances he has made.
Left Wing: Cian Hayes
Hayes is another summer signing we have made that has also been yet to have his opportunity to flourish, however when he has come on as a substitute he has been nothing but impressive getting the fans off their feet and playing a key role in hurting defense's on tired legs.
Hayes has big shoes to fill playing Poku's role and hopefully he fills them tonight.
Striker: Ricky Jade Jones
Ricky Jade Jones has been a force of nature this season with his raw pace and ability to press relentlessly, he will be looking to score against local rivals tonight and continue to prove why he is one of Peterborough's most valuable assets.
