Posh boss right to be wary of visitors

Sky Bet League One
Sky Sports 1, 12.15pm

Grant McCann labelled Bolton promotion favourites this week and Wanderers can prove the Peterborough manager right at London Road today.

Bolton’s eight-match winning sequence came to an end in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy tie at Cheltenham – a competition that is clearly the lowest priority for boss Phil Parkinson.

Securing promotion from Sky Bet League One is the main aim and Bolton have won each of their last five league matches, conceding just a consolation goal to Port Vale in the process.

The run includes wins to nil at Swindon, Millwall and Bury and Parkinson has what many observers believe is the best defensive partnership in the division with Mark Beevers alongside David Wheater.

Zach Clough’s return from injury has coincided with Bolton’s decent run and they appear to be a far more solid unit in all areas compared to a more unpredictable Peterborough side.

At their best Posh can be a delight to watch and they are committed to attack with Marcus Maddison one of the most creative players outside the top two tiers in English football.

Goals are not a problem – Peterborough have scored a healthy tally of 26 – but only twice have they managed to keep a clean sheet in the league this term and even lowly non-leaguers Chesham found a way to goal in last week’s 2-1 FA Cup success.

Getting the balance right is something McCann must rectify if Peterborough are to launch a promotion bid themselves but they are currently outside the playoff positions.

Bradford and Sheffield United, two teams who would have to be considered roughly equal to Bolton in terms of ability, have both beaten Posh 1-0 this season.

If Wanderers can get it right defensively then they should get chances to expose the home rearguard.

Recommendation
Bolton
1pt 6-4 general

Match facts

Team news
Peterborough
Jermaine Anderson remains a long long-term absentee but Posh are otherwise at full strength.

Bolton
Derik is doubtful and Tom Thorpe is unlikely to return. Midfielders
Jay Spearing, Darren Pratley and Mark Davies are still sidelined.

Key stat
Peterborough have conceded in 14 of their 16 league matches this season