With the departure of Ivan Toney catching up to them, can the Posh be helped out by returning fans?

Peterborough United welcome Rochdale to the Weston Homes Stadium after an impressive display against West Ham U23’s in the Papa John’s Trophy as they ran out 3-0 victors.

This weekend will be the first time there have been fans in the ground in a league match at London Road since March. This will certainly feel good for Darren Ferguson and his players. 

Dale come into this after an impressive 4-0 victory last time out on the road against Plymouth who in recent times have been hard to beat at Home Park. 

With the departure of rocket man Ivan Toney in the summer and losing such a prolific goalscorer, recent results after a great start to the season are making folk believe the loss of the 24-year-old is catching up to them.  

They will be hoping that Jonson Clarke–Harris and Siriki Dembele can come up trumps with some more goals as the two attackers haven’t been in the goals recently with a dip in form for the home side.  

Last time the two sides met at Peterborough, Posh were 6-0 winners with Ivan Toney getting a hat–trick. 

The home side have won each of their last three games against the visitors, however, have lost four out of their last five league games so it is fair to say they don’t come into this fixture in good form. 

Rochdale have won three of their last four away games and this sets the game up for a very unpredictable affair.  

With pressure mounting on boss Brian Barry–Murphy, he will be eager to take advantage of Peterborough’s poor form.  

Peterborough are only sitting in fifth place thanks to their amazing start to the season, but their current form is relegation standard with 18th placed Dale on paper expected to win it by a storm. The Greater Manchester side are all for upsets on the road.  

After speaking with a Peterborough fan via Twitter, he said

“Most of the fans are right behind Fergie and the players, however recently something really is not right. We’re still in a good position but I am hoping this weekend can change having the fans back in the ground. And with the recent win in the Papa John’s trophy, I am hoping this encourages the players and gives them a boost. The worst scenario for any Posh fan would be to see Fergie go, however I think it’s very unlikely.” 

Rochdale will be playing in front of a crowd for the first time since March which Barry-Murphy describing this as “A big step in the right direction.”  

Good news for Dale fans is that Paul McShane has returned to training and is available ahead of the game this weekend.  

It’s set to be an exciting fixture and hangs for either team to win it, with both teams being incredibly unpredictable this season.  

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