Peterborough (A): Preview

The FA Cup is still getting it’s shine back and TV are doing a great job with the polishing. It started on Thursday this time and finishes on Monday…then there are replays. After playing the final in Wales, when Wembley was demolished and with Man U dropping out one year to play in South America, the public’s interest in the competition fell to its lowest ebb but clubs are now giving the FA Cup a lot more respect. Playing a reserve team is ending. The decline has been a slow burn but the comeback has been rapid. It got to the stage where I didn’t watch the Cup Final…I still don’t …and it was almost on par with the League Cup, which has always been a non-entity for me, unless Leeds were involved. I can feel the magic coming back. It will never get back to what it was though. Third round matches with much bigger crowds than league matches and the final being the biggest game in world football…that will never return…but it is good to be interested again. 

Leeds travel to Peterborough tomorrow with a 2pm kick off. I thought it was due to TV coverage but not so. I can’t see Leeds losing this one. I think Farke will make sure of that. There will be changes and it will be a weakened side to some degree. Cresswell will probably step in for Cooper, who is still slightly injured, but if this was a league game Cooper would have played. DJ Ed has been sent back to Spurs with his tail wagging…he didn’t like it up north and he did look silly with pigtails and is delighted to go back…southern softie. Ayling will probably play and Archie might have a go in midfield partnering Gruev. Amp will probably have a much needed rest. I expect to see Rutter and Jimmy doing their thing and Gnonto being given another game and Bamford looks certain to start after scoring last week. 

Leeds might have to be satisfied with a draw but I really can’t see them losing. An FA Cup replay on the flattened box will be fine. Fergie’s son is the Peterborough manager…is it for the 5th time? Just looked it up, it’s his 4th stint which is quite amazing. I will be listening to radio Leeds to hear the match but I will have the Masters snooker on at the same time which will probably be more interesting. It will be good for the players and for me to not be worrying about the result tomorrow.

By David Dean