Aston Villa vs Peterborough: Kids aiming to star in Villa’s rare Posh test
Supporters who attend Villa’s third-round FA Cup tie with Peterborough tomorrow can claim to have seen a fixture rarely played.
This will be just the sixth occasion the clubs have met in a competitive fixture and the first since a Dwight Yorke-inspired Villa thumped the Posh 7-1 on aggregate, at the start of their road to League Cup glory in the 1995/96 campaign.
The clubs have never met in the league, while Peterborough have never managed a victory.
More than 4,000 travelling supporters will pack into Villa Park hoping to see that statistic altered. Home fans, meanwhile, will expect and may well get an entertaining game courtesy of the club’s highly-promising youngsters.
Boss Steve Bruce will again turn to the kids to drive his team as some of Villa’s more senior stars are given a rest following the hectic festive schedule.
Considering the pressure on winning promotion this season, it is an entirely understandable move.
It is also one which will be welcomed by significant sections of a Villa fanbase, who have long been calling for player so impressive for the under-23s to be given a chance.
The likes of Callum O’Hare and Jake Doyle-Hayes have already seen off League One leaders Wigan earlier in the campaign, in a 4-1 Carabao Cup victory which was, at least until this week, arguably the most entertaining game at Villa Park this season.
O’Hare, a late substitute in the 5-0 New Year’s Day win over Bristol City, is one in particular who has been knocking on the door of first-team action for some time.
Tomorrow also offers Bruce the chance to give forward Rushian Hepburn-Murphy an extended run-out after some impressive cameos off the bench, while fit-again winger Andre Green will play for the first time since September.
The returning John Terry will add some experience to the line-up. Midfielder Henri Lansbury could also feature if fit, while Neil Taylor is likely to start at left-back having missed the last two Championship games.
The Posh needed a replay to see off non-league Woking in the second round but have won four of their last six in all competitions.
Boss Grant McCann is confident his team can cause Villa problems.
“It’s a really tough game. I don’t think anyone is expecting us to get anything,” he said.
“We can go and enjoy it but we also know in our camp we have enough to go there and cause them problems.
“It’s going to be difficult. We are under no illusions. But if we work our gameplan we will have a chance.”
“I watched their game against Bristol City. They stepped their game up and won comfortably.
“We know whatever team they put out, they have real quality in the squad.
“We have to go there and make sure we enjoy it, first and foremost.
“It’s going to be a great day out for the fans. We want to reward them with a result.”
