Peterborough United play host to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to move clear of the relegation zone.
However, at a time when Posh sit in 20th position in the League One table, the visitors are 23rd and just seven points adrift of their hosts.
Match preview
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While surviving in League One is their priority, Peterborough enjoyed a famous win in midweek as they came back from two goals down to edge out Wrexham for a place in the EFL Trophy final.
A last-minute equaliser was followed by a penalty-shootout victory in North Wales, Posh now having the chance to defend the trophy that they lifted last season.
For now, though, Darren Ferguson and his side are focused on trying to get themselves out of trouble as they sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Four points being accumulated from games against Stevenage and Huddersfield Town have been required to avoid dropping into the bottom four.
With the Wrexham result extending their unbeaten away record to three matches in all competitions, Ferguson will hope that Peterborough can carry that momentum back to London Road where they have 22 points from 16 fixtures.
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Shrewsbury head into this contest on the back of three successive defeats that have left Gareth Ainsworth's side at risk of being cut adrift.
They are now seven points away from their next opponents, Ainsworth and his players fully aware that this could prove to be a pivotal game in their season.
The Shrews have failed to score in five of their last 10 matches in the third tier, a total of just 33 strikes coming in as many matches this campaign.
Furthermore, Shrewsbury have prevailed from just two of their 16 away league encounters during 2024-25, highlighting the size of their task on Saturday.
Team News
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Bradley Ihionvien is pushing for a start for Peterborough on the back of his goal as a substitute against Wrexham.
Tayo Edun could also feature at left-back having missed the EFL Trophy fixture due to having already represented Charlton Athletic in the competition.
Shrewsbury boss Ainsworth will consider handing a first club start to David Wheeler in either midfield or attack.
Jordan Shipley and Funso Ojo are also alternatives with Ainsworth searching for solutions after three games without a point.
Dominic Gape may miss out despite having been a regular since his transfer during the winter window.
Peterborough United possible starting lineup:
Steer; Donnelly, Wallin, Fernandez, Edun; Kyprianou, Collins; Odoh, Mothersille, Hayes; Ihionvien
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Blackman; M.Feeney, J.Feeney, Pierre; Hoole, Gilliead, Shipley, Benning; Lloyd, Marquis, Wheeler
We say: Peterborough United 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
With both sides having experienced contrasting results of late, Peterborough are the clear favourites to prevail. However, we are backing the visitors to find something extra than in recent games, earning themselves a hard-fought share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
