FA Cup: Peterborough expect 'great atmosphere' for Leeds tie

Peterborough United reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2021-22

Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson is relishing the prospect of his side testing themselves against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

The two teams are doing well in their respective divisions - Leeds are fourth in the Championship and Peterborough third in League One.

And Ferguson believes there are plenty of similarities in the way the two teams prefer to play.

"We're going to have to play really well to get through," he said.

"They're obviously ahead of us quality-wise, they're a league above - but in terms of formation and how they play in most key areas (they're very similar).

"The front four are lightning and both teams will try and play out from the back so there's certain things you need to do right off the ball and on the ball for that to work or not to work."

Peterborough last met Leeds in an FA Cup tie in 1986, when they came out on top 1-0, with Greg Shepherd scoring the only goal.

They will again have home advantage for Sunday's 14:00 GMT kick-off.

"It'll be a great atmosphere. We've had some great games against Leeds in the Championship, and in League One at home," Ferguson added.

"They're an incredible club with a massive fan base and I'm sure it will be an exciting game - it won;'t be 0-0, that's for sure."

With Daniel Bilokapic injured, Fynn Talley is likely to keep his place in goal despite the signing of Jed Steer on a short-term deal.

Posh will be without captain Peter Kioso, who has been recalled from his loan spell by Rotherham, and injured striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Ferguson, though, hopes that they can negotiate a return for Kioso during the transfer window.

"He does want to stay, he's made that clear to us and to Rotherham because he's playing every week and he's enjoying it," the Scot added.

"Before I look at any other right-backs he's the one I'm going to try and get back if I can. We'll try everything - it might be in vain, probably will be, but we'll try."

Peterborough are unbeaten in 10 matches and Ferguson believes that Clarke-Harris and defender Ronnie Edwards are the only players who are likely to leave this month.

"We've got a valuation on each individual player," Ferguson added. "If a club meets that, we'll let the player go and speak to them and try to arrange personal terms.

"We've always maintained that it has to be the figure this club wants or the chairman sets which is normally quite a high one - and the chairman has assured me those two are the only ones who could be sold in the January window."