Fergie happy for Posh to win ugly at Rochdale, Szmodics update and the stats that suggest Harrison Burrows should start anyway

Posh teenager Harrison Burrows watches on as his corner hits the back of the Pompey net. Photo: David Lowndes.

Ferguson will send his side out to play an expansive style, but if they repeat the manner of Tuesday’s 1-0 home success over Portsmouth he will be completely satisfied.

A freak own goal from a Harrison Burrows corner delivered victory for second-placed Posh against Pompey. Posh need to win at the Crown Oil Arena to ensure they stay in the top two. Third-placed Sunderland are just two points behind Posh following a terrific run of form, although they have a tough game at home to fourth-placed Lincoln City tomorrow.

“This is not the time to over-analyse matches,” Ferguson stated. “It’s now about picking up three points and moving quickly onto the next game.

“Of course I’d love to see more quality than we showed against Portsmouth, but first and foremost we have to repeat that determination to win.

“If this game becomes a fight we need to get the win any way we can. If we grind out another three points without playing at our best I’ll be very satisfied.

“Rochdale were outstanding in winning at Lincoln last weekend, but what’s happened in the past is irrelevant. Every game has to be treated in isolation as nearly every team has something to play for and that’s certainly the case tomorrow.

“It’s a big few days for us with two tough away games, but the lads are in great shape mentally. (Goalkeeper) Christy Pym is a big part of that. He was so calm and composed against Portsmouth it gave the back four confidence.”

Posh forward Sammie Szmodics is a 50/50 chance to recover from an ankle injury and play tomorrow. If he fails to make it teenager Burrows can be expected to retain his place,

Burrows has some outstanding statistics to his name this season. PT analyst James Mayley (@ReportPosh on Twitter) reports: “Of all players in League One with 10+ appearances this season, Burrows ranks second for expected assists per 90 minutes (0.32). Essentially he should be creating a goal every three games with only Gillingham’s Jordan Graham ahead of him.

“Burrows is first in League One for key passes (shot creating passes) with 1.32 every 90 minutes. The fact he’s not played many mins and come on as a sub a lot will boost his numbers, but it’s still crazy, crazy good!”