Preview: Peterborough United vs. Northampton Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Nene derby rivals Peterborough United and Northampton Town are set to clash for the second time in eight days when they meet at Weston Homes Stadium in the EFL Trophy's second round on Tuesday.

The Posh, who are the competition's defending champions, lost 2-1 to the Cobblers on December 9 in League One and will be looking for revenge against their rivals this time around.

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Match preview

Darren Ferguson's Peterborough have found it difficult this season in League One and are currently 13th with 24 points, having lost nine of their 19 matches this term.

On Saturday, the Posh emerged 4-3 victors in a seven-goal thriller with relegation-threatened Crawley Town.

In that game, Ferguson's side were leading 3-1 but surrendered their two-goal advantage early in the second half, and needed a fourth from Cian Hayes to secure all three points.

The weekend's win was Peterborough's first in four league matches and ended a disappointing run of three consecutive league defeats.

This poor form can be attributed to a defensive weakness that contrasts with the offensive prowess the Posh have displayed this term, especially when considering that Peterborough have not kept a clean sheet in League One yet have only been outscored by league leaders Wycombe Wanderers this season.

In the EFL Trophy, Ferguson's team qualified to this stage by topping their group with a flawless three wins against Stevenage, Gillingham and Crystal Palace Under-21s, whom they beat 4-1 in early November.

On Tuesday, Peterborough will be up against their local rivals and will look to both defend their crown and bring some levity to an otherwise disappointing season so far.

Meanwhile, Northampton are currently under the control of caretaker manager Ian Sampson after long-term boss Jon Brady stepped down earlier this month with the team at serious risk of relegation.

As Sampson considers taking the job permanently, his side are 19th in League One - two points above the relegation places - having picked up 21 points from their 20 matches.

However, the Cobblers have played one game more than 21st-placed Crawley as well as every other team below ninth, and demotion remains a real possibility this season.

In the EFL Trophy, Northampton progressed to this stage from a group featuring fellow League One strugglers Burton Albion, League Two Notts County and Leicester City Under-21s.

Sampson's team earned two wins in the group under their former boss, though they did lose 5-2 at home against the Brewers in mid-November.

Last time out, the Cobblers were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Rotherham United in League One, a result that means Northampton now have just one win from their eight most recent games in all competitions.

That being said, the sole victory was against Peterborough in last Monday's derby, and this will give the visitors some confidence going into Tuesday's cup tie.

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Team News

Peterborough manager Ferguson will still be without top scorer Kwame Poku until 2025, though it has been reported that his hamstring operation was successful and the club hope that he may be back in February.

Meanwhile, forward Bradley Ihionvien, left-back Rio Adebisi and goalkeeper Jed Steer are expected to be training outdoors in the next week, but the trio will not be in contention for Tuesday's clash.

On the other hand, Northampton boss Sampson will have defenders Timothy Eyoma and Jordan Willis available this weekend after they featured in the matchday squad against Rotherham.

However, the caretaker manager noted in his post-match interview on Saturday that the pair are still building fitness, so do not expect either to play the full 90 minutes if they make the XI.

Elsewhere, Mitchell Pinnock and Tyler Roberts will both be looking to make it two in two games against Peterborough following their goals against the Posh on Monday, while Cameron McGeehan, who assisted both in the 2-1 win, should line up just behind them in midfield.

Peterborough United possible starting lineup: Bilokapic; Dornelly, Katongo, Fernandez, Sparkes; Kyprianou, Collins; Hayes, Randall, Mothersille; Jones

Northampton Town possible starting lineup: Tzanev; Odimayo, Eyoma, Guthrie, Guiness-Walker; Hondermarck, Chouchane; Pinnock, McGeehan, Hoskins; Roberts

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We say: Peterborough United 3-1 Northampton Town

Neither side are in the strongest form ahead of Tuesday's clash, but as this is a derby match, the increased intensity could see both sides score in a close-fought contest.

However, Ferguson's side have shown themselves to be particularly strong in the EFL Trophy, and their offensive capability may see them get the edge over their rivals.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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