Leyton Orient vs Peterborough Prediction – Orient the favourites following first leg draw.

With promotion to the Championship a legitimate possibility for both of these clubs, the first leg could well prove to be more important than it seemed. As is the case after a one all draw, both teams seemed to settle for the result in the final minutes, knowing that another ninety minutes awaited them in a few days’ time. For Orient, this could well be a blessing. Having travelled to London Road, the trip to the Matchroom could be decisive as the home advantage comes into play. The chance to play in front of the home fans could be just what is needed in order to progress and with the away goal rule not be introduced into playoff football, Leyton Orient have been made clear favourites. On the pitch, the tactical battle seemed to result in a stale mate. As such, Peterborough might be tempted to drop one of their strikers even deeper into the midfield in order to control the game as much as possible.

Form

Going into the first leg of the playoffs, Leyton Orient’s form had begun to show signs of revival following a middling close to the season. With two wins, their most recent draw can be added to the list of positive results and provide them something to build on. Typically, the club’s home form has been good this season and the team will hope that this will be enough to prove the difference which as not present in the last match. If, like the recent Championship playoff match, the game should go to extra time, the presence of the home fans should be enough to see them over the line.

For Peterborough, the draw was the third in a row. The inability to really make the difference in these final games could prove costly and may well be the reason as to why they will struggle to make an impact while visiting Leyton. The onus will be on the hosts, however, meaning that Peterborough will be offered the opportunity to sit back and absorb pressure. Providing their defence proves strong, their recent attacking strengths have come from incisive breaks and finishing. With little to separate the two teams already, Peterborough will need to build on defensive strength.

Team News

Leyton Orient will be thankful that they have no major injury worries for the match. Despite the manager hinting at a few bruises throughout the squad, the team should have had enough time to recover and will then potentially face a longer period before the final. Russell Slade is likely to stick with the same side who achieved the draw in the first leg, with the potential for the return of Lloyd James following a period on the bench.

Peterborough, too, benefit from a healthy squad. Their manager, Darren Ferguson, has hinted at keeping the same players in place for the second leg, though the return of several players to full match fitness could provide food for thought with McCann, Newell and Washington all possible inclusions should the manager decide to tinker.

Leyton Orient

P47 W25 D12 L10

LLWWD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Jones; Obubajo, Baudry, Clarke, Sawyer; Omozusi, Vincelot, Lundstram, Cox; Lisbie, Mooney

Peterborough

P47 W23 D06 L18

LWWDD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Day; Little, Baldwin, Nugent, Ntlhe; Ajose, Newell, Payne, Rowe; Assombalonga, Washington.

Prediction: Leyton 2 – 0 Peterborough

Home advantage could prove just enough as Orient look towards a Wembley final.