Peterborough United intend to show Crewe Alexandra the real Posh on Saturday

Posh were knocked off the top of League One when losing 2-0 at Crewe in November. The home side were deserved winners and they’ve maintained strong form since that game.

The Railywaymen have lost just one of their last 15 competitive fixtures and arrive at London Road just three points behind Posh, albeit having played three more games.

Posh lost for the first time in eight League One matches at Shrewsbury last weekend.

“I want a reaction from the players to Saturday’s defeat,” Ferguson stated. “And we were poor at Crewe earlier this season so I want a reaction to that as well. We went there on the back of a good run and a little break, but we didn’t perform.

“We were poor at MK Dons before Christmas, but very good when we played them again the following month so I want a repeat of that.

“I fancied Crewe would have a good season because they’ve been together a long time and they’ve done just that.

“We didn’t turn up at their place, but they know and we know we will be a lot better this time. We will need to be.

“No two games are ever the same and we are very strong at home. We still have the best home record in League One.

“We are a better team when we are aggressive and play with urgency and I need to see that on a much more consistent basis for the rest of the season.

“But we remain in good form. If we beat Crewe we will have taken 13 points from 18 and that’s good form. We are also just five points off top with a game in hand and we have played two more games away from home than at home so there is a lot to be positive about.

“How clubs deal with the inevitable ups and downs of this season will be vital.”

Frankie Kent, Jack Taylor, Dan Butler and Siriki Dembele are all expected to return to the Posh squad after missing the EFL Trophy defeat at Tranmere on Tuesday.

Taylor’s participation will depend on the result of Thursday tests on a calf issue.