Northampton v Peterborough: Cobblers must up their game

Marriott looks a quality signing – peterboroughtoday.co.uk

Given that these two rivals had both been tipped for mid-table finishes three weeks ago, it has come as a slight surprise that the derby will be a bottom against top clash.

One would not have said, before a ball was kicked, that the difference between the two squads was particularly grand – so why the performances been so contrasting?

A lot of Northampton fans will point to Justin Edinburgh’s preference for three-at-the-back and two striker systems. There is an argument to say that the setup suits a system closer to 4-2-3-1, with quality attacking midfielders and wingers such as Daniel Powell, Billy Waters and recent addition Matt Grimes.  Perhaps he will sacrifice one of Alex Revell or Marc Richards – neither striker being the quickest. That might make room for Waters to push further forward, the talented Grimes to get his first start and give others more freedom.

Peterborough United’s players are certainly playing with freedom right now. Jack Marriott looks like he’s been let off the leash, using his pace and tenacity to harry opposing back-line and get into dangerous areas. The ex-Luton striker is already League One’s top goalscorer with five goals, but Junior Morias has helped him with his strength, clever movement and impressive link-up play.

Marcus Maddison was outstanding in the 2-1 over Rotherham and early on, he is showing the attributes that have led many to see him as one of the most talented wingers in League One.

Most teams that play with two strikers and an enigmatic player like Maddison might ordinarily suffer from a lack of defensive balance, but Posh have only conceded three in three league games. Two of them were effectively consolation goals, which speaks volumes for the work Jack Baldwin and Ryan Tafazolli are doing at centre-back.

Both have benefited from the nous of two key players: firstly, Steven Taylor, whose top flight experience has been evident from the outset. He organises the back-line, effectively as a secondary captain and already has a goal to his name. Secondly, Anthony Grant. Previous Posh sides might be criticized of shying away from the dirty side of the game, but Grant breaks up play superbly and is not averse to snidely buying the odd free-kick.

One must question, of the Northampton players who featured in last week’s 4-1 defeat at Charlton, how many players do the dirty side of the game. For every chance the Addicks created – and they created enough to score more than four – there was a humongous gap between Northampton’s defence and midfield. Lots of players did not track back with the required urgency, at times strolling, while Charlton’s strong attack exploited the space.

If Peterborough bring their A-game, they could do further damage to the shaken Cobblers.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 1-3