ALAN SWANN’s first Peterborough United starting line-up now that the transfer window is closed... there’s no room for a couple of big summer signings
I’ve picked my team to play Sheffield United next Saturday (September 11).
By Alan Swann
Published 3rd Sep 2021, 08:37 BST
Updated 3rd Sep 2021, 08:59 BST
It was tough which is a comment on the strength in depth now at the club. Two big summer signings and one in-form midfielder are all on my substitutes’ bench.
I’m playing a 3-4-2-1 formation against a Sheffield United team that strengthened considerably in the last couple of days of transfer window business.
Remember it’s the team I would pick, not the one I think Posh boss Darren Ferguson would pick.
Remember it’s the team I would pick, not the one I think Posh boss Darren Ferguson would pick.
9. SAMMIE SZMODICS
Szmodics looked fit and strong against West Brom and against a powerful opponent in Sheffield United his all-action running style could be of more use than Jorge Grant's more laid-back style of play. Last season's front three, when fully fit of course, can do damage in the Championship.
Dembele staying was the most positive story of transfer deadline day and to be fair to the wizard of the dribble he's not shown any signs on the pitch of being unhappy at not getting a desired move. Even when half-fit and playing spasmodically he's looked the most threatening Posh forward and it's time to get 90-minute performances from him.
The big striker has shown great heart and desire since joining Posh for the start of last season, and he's mixed it impressively with some big, strong defenders this season. He's not yet managed to score, but his value to this team in getting them up the pitch is huge. He even defended set-pieces well last weekend which makes you a shoo-in in this team. If Posh can get Dembele and Szmodics running onto his flicks more scoring chances will come. I expect Clarke-Harris and Marriott will soon be starting together in home matches.
It should be the strongest Posh bench of the season with Grant (pictured), Norburn, Marriott, Randall and Knight all sitting there. Dai Cornell will cover goalkeeper Pym and Tomlinson will cover the wing-backs.
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