MATCH PREVIEW: Back to basics for Peterborough United as they seek a winning formula

It's back to basics for Peterborough United as they attempt to jump-start an ailing League One play-off push.
Posh manager Grant McCann has problems to solvePosh manager Grant McCann has problems to solve
Posh manager Grant McCann has problems to solve

Manager Grant McCann and his players have put their heads together - the squad are keen to assume more responsibility - to come up a winning formula for the final 10 League One matches of the season.

A settled starting line-up and formation is one of the biggest priorities as Posh prepare to welcome Oxford United to the ABAX Stadium for a League One fixture on Saturday (March 11).

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“We had a big bonding day on Tuesday (March 7),” McCann revealed. “The players have set themselves a target for the rest of March. It will stay in-house, but they are keen to take on more responsibility for what happens on the pitch.

Jack Baldwin could return for Posh against Oxford.Jack Baldwin could return for Posh against Oxford.
Jack Baldwin could return for Posh against Oxford.

“It often comes down to them once the match starts. They are a good bunch. They care about the club and they want to deliver success. They’ve just been through a tough spell, but we all still believe we have plenty to play for.

“It’s pretty much the same players who got us into the top six before Christmas so we’ve been concentrating on trying to get back to that style of play.

“A key for me now is a settled side and a settled formation. We need to select what we think is our best line-up and stick with it.

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“The attitude of the players has been spot on this week, but they realise we need some positive results quickly.

There could be a change of position for Posh star Michael Bostwick against Oxford.There could be a change of position for Posh star Michael Bostwick against Oxford.
There could be a change of position for Posh star Michael Bostwick against Oxford.

“We’ve been pretty much written off since January, but we can use that as motivation. As a minimum we probably need to win our five remaining home games. If we can do that - and there’s no reason why we can’t - and pick up some points away from home we will have a chance.

“There is no point in giving up. A lot can happen in 10 matches.”

Centre-back Jack Baldwin is available for the visit of Oxford on Saturday after completing a two-match suspension. If he returns to the starting line-up alongside Ryan Tafazolli, in-form Michael Bostwick could move back into midfield.

Baldwin and Bostwick played in those positions when Posh briefly reached the top six before Christmas.