Peterborough v Swansea Preview

Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2010 by BBC.com

Carling Cup third round
Venue: London Road Date: Tuesday, 21 September Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales (SW FM only) and live text commentary online & score updates on BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live & highlights on The League Cup Show

TEAM NEWS
Peterborough United are still without defender Ryan Bennett, who has been nursing a knee injury since the recent 5-2 win against Oldham.

Winger Arron Davies is also out with a hamstring problem.

Swansea City are not able to use on-loan West Ham forward Frank Nouble in the League Cup, as the London club do not want him to be cup-tied.

Striker Craig Beattie is sidelined with a calf problem, and Gorka Pintado a shoulder injury.

MATCH PREVIEW
Having dumped Cardiff out in the previous round, Peterborough now have their sights set on the Bluebirds' South Wales rivals. Posh are the only League One side that could knock out a Championship team at this stage of the competition, and their home form suggests they are capable of doing so.

Gary Johnson's men have a 100% record at London Road this season, winning five out of five matches and scoring a total of 18 goals. Promotion is their main priority, but they are sure to relish a chance to reach the fourth round for the second year in a row.

United made it to the last 16 last season for the first time since 1993/94, while Swansea reached that stage the campaign before last - the only time they have managed to do so in the last 33 years. This competition has not been kind to the Swans.

City striker Stephen Dobbie believes the possibility of facing Premier League opposition in the next round should act as a motivation for his team, while manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated that he will use the match to give opportunities to some of his fringe players.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• These clubs have met 43 times. Peterborough have won 16 of the previous 42 matches and Swansea 13 with 14 draws.

• They have met in the League Cup twice - in 1995 and 2001 - and Peterborough won on both occasions.

Peterborough

• Semi-finalists in 1965, Peterborough are looking for their sixth victory in seven League Cup matches.

• They have failed to score in only one of their last 12 League Cup games.

• Chris Whelpdale could make his 100th start for the club.

Swansea

• Swansea are chasing a seventh win in nine League Cup games.

• The South Wales club have reached the last 16 three times, but have never been beyond that.

• They have scored three goals in both of their ties in this season's competition: at home to Barnet, and away to Tranmere.