City travel to London Road tomorrow, looking for a first win there against Posh since 2006, and only a second since 1986.
The Chelsea game is behind us now, and while it would have been groundbreaking to beat them, perhaps going out was for the best. No extra midweek fixture, no added congestion, and still plenty of positives from a performance that showcased the depth of our squad.
Several fringe players put their hands up and demanded consideration, which makes this XI a tough call ahead of Peterborough.
There will be questions about formation – Posh have recently gone to a 3-5-2, so will we match them up, or stick to our preferred 4-2-3-1? I’m going with the latter, but our options are deep and varied.
GK – George Wickens
I’m going with George Wickens. There were rumours of him limping at Luton, but I expect him to start. If he doesn’t, Zack Jeacock has already shown he’s more than a capable deputy, unlike some back-up keepers we’ve had in the past.
Wickens is still one of the best in the division, but I’m comfortable with either option.
DR – Tendayi Darikwa
Tendayi Darikwa is a certain starter. As club captain and a huge leader, he’s the first outfield name on the team sheet. His experience and presence make him indispensable on the right side of the defence.
DL – Adam Reach
At left-back, I’m going with Adam Reach. Ryley Towler was excellent against Chelsea and will continue to push, but Reach’s deliveries and set-piece quality make him a key part of how we attack.
Towler’s time will come, but for this one it’s Reach.
LCB – Sonny Bradley
Sonny Bradley is nailed on at left centre-back. He’s already chipped in with goals and brings leadership to the back line. Even when decisions have gone against him, his influence is undeniable.
He starts every time he’s available.
RCB – Tom Hamer
This spot depends on Adam Jackson’s fitness. If there’s even the slightest doubt, I’m putting Tom Hamer in. Too often, he’s labelled just as a long throw specialist, but he’s a proper defender — mobile, strong, and excellent against Chelsea’s elite forwards.
For me, he deserves his place.
CM – Conor McGrandles
Conor McGrandles has to play. He’s in the best form of his Lincoln career, doing the essential work that doesn’t always get noticed but makes the team tick.
Whether it’s shielding the defence or recycling possession, he’s vital to our structure.
CM – Tom Bayliss
Alongside him, Tom Bayliss. He gives us progression from midfield and his set-piece quality adds another dimension. Between Reach, Hamer and Bayliss, we have a genuine variety at dead balls.
Bayliss coming on late against Chelsea felt like he was being saved for this game — he starts.
LW – Reeco Hackett
Reeco Hackett takes the left-hand side. He was rested midweek and that tells its own story. Erik Ring will get his chance in the EFL Trophy, but for now Hackett remains first choice, with the ability to cut in and provide threat from wide.
RW – Rob Street
On the right, I’m sticking with Rob Street. He scored against Chelsea, he’s full of confidence, and he deserves more minutes. Yes, he’s naturally a centre-forward, but he’s adapted well on the wing.
We’ve got options to change things later, but he’s earned this start.
AM – Ben House
This is the toughest call: Freddie Draper or Ben House? Draper was excellent against Chelsea, but for this one I’m going with House. His pressing and work rate will be crucial against a possession-heavy Peterborough side. He’s been reinvented slightly deeper and looks stronger than ever.
For me, he edges it here.
CF – James Collins
No question — James Collins leads the line. One of the top scorers in the division, if he gets a chance he usually takes it. He plays until he runs out of steam, then we bring fresh legs on, but he’s the man to start up top.
So there it is: Wickens; Darikwa, Bradley, Hamer, Reach; McGrandles, Bayliss; Hackett, Street, House; Collins.
That’s the XI I’d go with for Peterborough.
Let me know your thoughts — up the Imps.
You must be logged in to post a comment.