Peterborough United are full of confidence as they get ready to take on the best footballing side in League One

Niall Mason (right) could start for Posh at Crewe.

Table-topping Posh travel to Gresty Road to take on 18th-placed Crewe, but Ferguson has told his players to ignore league position and Crewe’s current form.

Before last weekend’s 3-2 FA Cup win at Bolton, Crewe had lost three League One games in a row, all 1-0, to Lincoln, Ipswich and Gillingham.

“I have watched Crewe’s recent games and trust me they could won two of those 1-0 defeats 5-0,” Ferguson, who has been named League One’s manager of the month for October, said. “They created so many chances, but they couldn’t finish. Their performances have been far better than their results would suggest.

Louis Reed could replace Jack Taylor at Crewe.

“I fancied them to do well this season as most of the players have been together for some time and that can count for a lot. They didn’t sell anyone in the summer which is unusual for Crewe.

“They are quite simply the best footballing side I have seen in League One this season. I have a lot of respect for the way they bring players through and the way they play. They have some excellent players and my players know exactly what they are up against tomorrow. There is no danger of us underestimating them

“But we are travelling with a lot of confidence. We are on a great run and we can be a very difficult team to play against.

“We have got a rest into some players that needed one. I’m just hoping they have freshened up and they won’t be rusty as that can happen when you break a cycle of playing.

“We have nine games in 28 days starting with Blackpool on November 21 so I’m hoping we reap the benefits of how we have managed the players during that run.”

Posh are without midfielder Jack Taylor (international duty) and defender Nathan Thompson (injured) with Niall Mason and Louis Reed expected to replace them.

Posh, who have won seven and drawn one of their last eight League One matches, can’t be knocked off the top tomorrow as their nearest challengers Ipswich, Lincoln and Charlton do not have fixtures. Posh will go at least four points clear if they win.