While both managers have been keen to play down the importance of the game, there’s no hiding from the fact that victory for either side could hand them an advantage in the race for the top two.
And ahead of the clash – which will be televised on Sky Sports Football – Lee Johnson has some key decisions to make when it comes to team selection.
His options have been bolstered in recent days with the returns of Jordan Jones and Denver Hume, while the likes of Carl Winchester and Aiden O’Brien will also be pushing for starts at the Weston Homes Stadium.
So what team would our writers pick? Here, Mark Donnelly names the side he would field against Posh – with TWO changes from the Oxford United win.
1. GK: Lee Burge
The stopper has conceded just three goals in his last eleven games, and looks set to continue in the side against the Posh. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. RB: Conor McLaughlin
Such is Lee Johnson's faith in McLaughlin that he put the full-back straight into the side to face Oxford just hours after his return from international duty. Another start at Peterborough looks a real possibility with the Northern Irish international having becoming a reliable presence at the back. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
Sunderland's options at centre-back remain limited, but Sanderson has impressed since the turn of the year - and will now have to try and silence the league's top scorer in Jonson Clarke-Harris. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
4. CB: Luke O'Nien
O'Nien has built-up a strong partnership with Sanderson and was once again in fine form against Oxford on Friday - meaning a start at Peterborough is all-but nailed on. Photo: FRANK REID 2019