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.
9. EPHRON MASON CLARK
I must confess I shudder every time this left-sided attacker struggles to get up after the latest heavy defensive challenge. I'm not playing him on the tight pitch at Cheltenham against a team fighting for their lives, but he can roam free and cause carnage against Rovers. Photo: Joe Dent
10. JONSON CLARKE-HARRIS
Fans who believe Posh would be even higher up the league if Clarke-Harris in the team are surely misguided. He isn't suited to the normal Posh way of playing, but he will thrive on balls into the penalty area which my team is set up to do. Photo: David Lowndes
11. MALIK MOTHERSILLE
Both strikers in this team will be fresher than most and they could reasonably be expected to play in the final three matches of the season. Mothersille was lively against Fleetwood and his first Football League goal will have done wonders for his confidence. He has a play-off starting place in his grasp now. Photo: Joe Dent
12. THE SUBSTITUTES
Joel Randall (pictured) needs to be rested from the next two games as he looked drained of energy the other night. Katongo, left-back Harley Mills, centre-backs Emmanuel Katongo and Romoney Crichlow, goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic, and give striker Pemi Aderoju another chance as he's been prolific at under 21 level. No harm in giving him a start on Tuesday either. Photo: Joe Dent