Peterborough United Live Blog: Cheltenham Town vs Posh- will this be the final game for Sammie Szmodics?

Peterborough United travel to face Cheltenham Town on the opening day of the 2022/23 League One season (Saturday July 29, 3pm).
Harrison Burrows battles with Ryan Jackson. Photo: Joe Dent.Harrison Burrows battles with Ryan Jackson. Photo: Joe Dent.
Harrison Burrows battles with Ryan Jackson. Photo: Joe Dent.

Grant McCann takes his side to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium to face one of his former clubs. McCann joined Cheltenham in 2003 after two previous loan spells at the club from West Ham. He finished with 179 appearances and 41 goals for the Robins before moving on to Barnsley in January, 2007 for £100k.

Today is Wade Elliott’s first game in charge after taking over from Michael Duff, who left to join Barnsley also this summer.

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Posh are sweating on the fitness of Joe Ward and Nathan Thompson coming into the game and Harvey Cartwright is also likely to miss out with a thigh complaint.

A sell-out 1055 away following will be cheering the club on.

Follow all of the action on the PT live blog below.

LIVE BLOG: Cheltenham vs Posh

Key Events

  • 3pm kick-off
  • Potentially Sammie Szmodics' final game for Posh
  • Cartwright, Ward and Thompson all struggling with injuries
  • Lucas Bergstrom set for senior debut
  • Wade Elliott’s first game in charge of Cheltenham

Team news shortly. By the look of the sides out on the pitch earlier, Szmodics is here, Thompson isn’t.

Bergstrom, Lakin and Blackmore all are, doesn’t look like Cartwright is.

Today is Wade Elliott’s first game in charge of Cheltenham. He was promoted from his role as coach after Michael Duff left to join left to join Barnsley in the summer.

Their squad includes ex-Posh youngster Lewis Freestone at left back.

Summer ins (frees):

Daniel Adshead, Norwich

Tom Bradbury, Halifax

Shaum MacDonald, Torquay

Ryan Jackson, Gillingham

Loans

Dan Nlundula, Southampton

Taylor Perry, Wolves

Luke Southwood, Reading

Caleb Taylor, West Brom

Jamese Taylor, Bristol City

Here is the team the PT would pick, do you agree?

Harvey Cartwright is struggling with a thigh issue. McCann has given him a chance of making this game but starting Lucas Bergstrom looks to be a more likely option.

Nathan Thompson and Joe Ward are also struggling with knocks. Thompson limped off against Hull and although Ward returned to training this week, a start could be too soon. There’s a chance one will play though as Benji Mensah played for the U21s against Spalding last night but Josh Knight is also an option.

Today looks set to be the final Posh game for Sammie Szmodics. There is no official conformation of Blackburn’s £2.5m offer for the player but Darragh refused to deny it when asked and just said that he is available for selection today.

Reports in Lancashire say the move is becoming increasingly likely. So, today could well be a farewell appearance, if McCann chooses to pick him in the side given the current speculation.

It’s finally here, they day we’ve been waiting for all summer. Football is back and Posh head into the season with confidence that this can be a better season last time and they can return to the Champiosnhip.

It all starts at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium at 3pm

Good luck to all travelling on this day of rail chaos!