It’s a vital League One game for both clubs. Posh are flying high and favourites for automatic promotion, while the Cobblers are in the middle of a relegation dogfight.
Form is supposed to go out of the window in a derby, but the journalists who watch the teams on a regular basis are also expecting a Posh win, judging by their player ratings.
The Peterborough Telegraph’s chief sports writer Alan Swann has marked the Posh players out of 10 based on their contributions to the season so far and Northampton Chronicle sports editor Jeremy Casey has done the same with the Cobblers’ players.
View their scores for each likely starter here...
1.
GOALKEEPER: JOSEF BURSIK (pictured) v JONATHAN MITCHELL: Not a lot of evidence to work with, but the England age group international Bursik certainly looked the part on debut last weekend. Could be a crucial signing. On-loan goalkeeper Mitchell has endured a testing season. Capable of pulling off good saves, but has too often been found wanting at crucial times. Posh win 7-6.
2.
RIGHT-BACK: NATHAN THOMPSON (pictured) v PETER KIOSO. Thompson is one of the most important men in the Posh squad. A terrific, clever defender and he starts numerous Posh attacks from right back or centre-back. KIoso is a strong defender, both on the floor and in the air, who also offers the Cobblers plenty of attacking threat down the right. Posh win 9-8.
3.
LEFT-BACK: DAN BUTLER (pictured) v JOSEPH MILLS: Butler is not the most consistent of players, certainly in possession as his crossing quality comes and goes, but a tenacious defender who wears opponents down. Captain Mills is a solid performer down the left flank. A very capable defender at this level, Mills has at times struggled to deliver quality going the other way. A draw 7-7.
4.
CENTRE-BACK: FRANKIE KENT (pictured) v FRASER HORSFALL: Kent is a high class modern central defender, one who is comfortable on the ball without sacrificing defensive steel. One of the most vocal leaders on the pitch. Horsfall struggled to settle early in the season, but has gone from strength to strength since being regularly partnered at the heart of defence with Lloyd Jones. Posh win 9-8.