Peterborough United should err on the side of a strong selection on Saturday as while there is hope there is life, but the PT has handed out a Football League debut!

The chances are heavily stacked against Posh finishing in the top two given Derby County only need a maximum of four points (and realistically only three) from games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United to shut Ferguson’s side out of the automatic promotion places.

But there’s always an outside chance of a surprising slip up and it’s worth remembering Carlisle won 3-1 at Bolton Wanderers and Posh this season so there would be huge disappointment if the Rams did stumble and Fergie’s men were in no position to take advantage.

Ferguson’s hand could be forced by injuries. Forwards Ricky-Jade Jones and Kwame Poku are concerns, although the latter wearing a protective boot at the Posh awards night was a precaution rather than confirmation he won’t play on Saturday. On-loan winger Michael Olakigbe remains unavailable because of injury.

Straight after making hard work of beating Fleetwood Town on London Road on Tuesday I was of the opinion Posh should rest many senior players in the next two games as many of them look out on their feet, but then I remembered Derby lost at Northampton not so long ago.

And, after a brief conversation with other interested media men, I’ve now decided Posh should err on the side of strength on Saturday with a plan to rest most of the senior team at Cheltenham next Tuesday (April 23) should results not go our way this weekend. A point at Rovers would almost certainly guarantee a fourth place finish and the slight advantage that would bring at play-off time.

I am handing out a Football League debut though and I am changing shape to a flexible 4-4-2 to take advantage of in-form firepower. I have called up an in-form striker on the bench as well.