Peterborough United boss insists Accrington Stanley will provide a tough opening fixture for his team

Posh will start the game as the newly-installed 13/2 joint favourites for the third tier title, while Accrington are expected to struggle in a season when the finances of the smaller clubs in the division will be stretched.

But Ferguson watched Accrington lose on penalties in their Carabao Cup first round tie at Burton Albion last Friday and he was impressed.

Stanley warmed up for the game with a 7-0 EFL Trophy win over Leeds United Under 21s on Tuesday when Chelsea loanee Tariq Uwakwe struck a debut hat-trick.

“They were a typical John Coleman (manager) team,” Ferguson stated.

“They played good football, they were well organised and they caused a strong Burton team plenty of problems.

“They have lost some players in the summer, including a couple of very good ones, but they have been busy in the loan market and they usually use it very well.

“We will go up there with plenty of confidence, but this is not an easy starting fixture by any means. It is always a very difficult place to go and get a result.

“We will certainly need to play with intensity and tempo from the kick-off. We saw what will happen if we don’t against Cheltenham last weekend. It’s vital we keep our standards high.

“This is going to be one hectic eight-month season with matches coming thick and fast and as such it’s very difficult to predict what will happen.

“We’re all still getting used to playing behind closed doors, but we believe we are ready and in great shape to enjoy a strong season.

“We want a fast start this season. We were slow out of the blocks last season and it ended up costing us.”

Teenage striker Ricky-Jade Jones will miss the Accrington game because of an ankle injury. He is expected to return to training on Monday.

Defender Frazer Blake-Tracy is an injury doubt, while one player will miss out after testing positive for coronavirus.

Striker Jonson-Clarke will be involved, although most likely as a substitute as Posh are still getting him up to full fitness.

“Jonson showed us what he was about in his 45 minutes on Tuesday night,” Ferguson added.

“He has been given a programme to get himself up to the same levels of the other players and his attitude has been first-class.

“He will be involved for sure on Saturday.”

Mo Eisa is expected to start up top alongside Siriki Dembele and Sammie Szmodics.

Summer signing Ryan Broom could move to a wing-back role following the arrival of Szmodics with Joe Ward the man to miss out if that happens.