Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. Peterborough United - prediction, team news, lineups

Peterborough United travel to Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position in the League One playoff places.

At a time when Posh occupy fourth spot in the table, the home side have recently dropped down to 17th position, a consequence of four fixtures without success.

Match preview

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In theory, Grant McCann would have preferred to not have an extra fixture on their schedule, yet their FA Cup replay at Salford City has got Peterborough back on track.

After two matches without a win, Posh were able to beat their League Two hosts by a 3-0 scoreline, Jack Marriott netting twice during the final quarter for his first goals since the start of September.

In the league, McCann can be satisfied with their run since September 24, collecting 19 points from nine games, yet conceding twice in the final five minutes to lose at Exeter City has the potential to knock Peterborough out of their stride.

Despite sitting in fourth, McCann's side are seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places, their focus instead on the chasing pack with just four points separating them to eighth-placed Barnsley.

Peterborough have netted in each of their last nine third-tier fixtures, a statistic which will not go unnoticed by Bristol Rovers.

Joey Barton has witnessed his side concede nine times in their most recent four league matches and Rovers now possess the third-worst defensive record in the division.

Barton will be content with Rovers remaining seven points clear of the relegation zone, yet he will want his team to get back on track as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, depending on your perception, Rovers can also claim to have lost just once in eight matches, that defeat coming by a 4-2 scoreline at Derby County.

Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn has established himself in the final third in recent weeks, netting three times in four appearances.

Team News

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Although James Gibbons was replaced at half time against Fleetwood, it represented a tactical change from Rovers boss Barton.

If there is a switch to a back three, James Connolly will replace Gibbons, otherwise faith may be placed in the same team which started last time out.

Scott Sinclair came through 86 minutes on his first start back at the club and should retain his spot.

Although a much-changed side battled past Salford, the Peterborough XI is likely to be similar to the one which started at Exeter.

Despite his double in that game, Marriott is expected to miss out on a recall to the attack, but Frankie Kent is in line to feature in the back three after serving a ban.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Belshaw; Gibbons, Thomas, Gibson, Gordon; Rossiter, Finley, Evans; Sinclair, Coburn, Collins

Peterborough United possible starting lineup:

Bergstrom; Edwards, Kent, Butler; Thompson, Taylor, Fuchs, Burrows, Jones; Clarke-Harris, Mason-Clark

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Peterborough United

Throughout this campaign, it has been largely all or nothing for Peterborough, and we feel that will be the case on Saturday. While Rovers have drawn three of their last four outings, Posh could edge this contest by the odd goal in three.

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