Peterborough United face a difficult away test at Stockport County this Saturday with a squad missing several key players. Interim manager Ryan Harley will lead the side, which sits 23rd in the standings with just five points from seven games, having scored only four goals in that time. Their recent form shows a single win in the last five league matches.
Harley, who oversaw a 3-1 EFL Trophy win over Colchester United last weekend, confirmed the absences. Josh Feeney, David Okagbue, Patryk Sykut and Vernon Masara are away on international duty. Sam Hughes, Rio Adebisi, Matt Garbett, Declan Frith, Tom O'Connor and Brandon Khela are definitely out injured, while James Dornelly is also a doubt. This leaves the interim boss with limited options from his available squad.
"Stockport are a very good side, both in and out of possession, and it will be a tough game for us on Saturday," Harley said. "But we have worked on a few things and we will go there and try and put in a positive performance."
Stockport, ninth in the table, are the division's highest scorers with 16 goals. They are without defender Brad Hills but will likely field striker Kyle Wootton, who joined the club after their return to the Football League. The Hatters have won their last three league fixtures, averaging over two goals per game in that run.
For Peterborough, Harry Ashfield is pushing for a first league start after scoring twice against Colchester. Last season's top scorer Harry Leonard is expected to lead the attack, with Alex Bass in goal. The team will wear their black away kit.
With a lengthy injuries list, Harley's options are limited. The interim boss praised the squad's attitude in training ahead of the trip to Edgeley Park, acknowledging the challenge of facing a free-scoring side while his own team has averaged just 0.57 goals per game.
Ross Martin has been appointed as the match referee.
This story first appeared at Peterborough United
