Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson insists the swine flu outbreak at Blackburn has not hindered his side's preparations for the Carling Cup tie at Ewood Park.

The Premier League side have seen three members of their squad contract the disease and there were fears that the game may even be postponed.

But Rovers have confirmed the game will go ahead on Tuesday night and Ferguson believes his Championship strugglers have what it takes to cause an upset by beating Sam Allardyce's team.

Ferguson said: "It is certainly an unusual build-up to a game but it hasn't affected our preparations at all, we are preparing in the usual way.

"I'm sure it may disrupt them but we were only made aware of it this morning.

"I believe Chris Samba and David Dunn didn't travel on Saturday and maybe two or three others have symptoms but I'm sure the game will go ahead.

"I don't know what team they will play anyway. They lost 5-0 at the weekend and play Manchester United on Saturday so there is every chance that they will make changes regardless.

"We'll have to wait and see but we go there with the belief that we can get a result."

Peterborough picked up a vital 3-0 win at home to Scunthorpe on Saturday to clamber out of the relegation zone, and Ferguson believes forward George Boyd could be their match winner in Lancashire.

Boyd scored twice against Scunthorpe to take his tally for the season to eight goals and will pose a threat to Allardyce's men.

Ferguson said: "It was a much-needed win and it was a long time coming. The manner in which we won was very positive and it will give us confidence.

"One thing when you play a Premier League side is that at times you get more time and space on the ball and George is the sort of player who will relish that.

"But having said that, if you give the ball away you will get punished and that is something we have been working on.

"It's not going to be a great atmosphere up there, the ground won't be full and they may be anxious so we have to use that to our advantage.

"We have been due a cup run and you just look at Derby and Burnley last season.

"If we can get into the quarter-finals it would be great for the players, great for the fans and we will also make a bit of money for the club so there is every possible incentive."

Craig Mackail-Smith is a doubt while defender Gabriel Zakuani is struggling with a hamstring problem.

Defenders Ryan Bennett and Scott Griffiths are both ineligible after featuring in the competition for Grimsby and Dagenham respectively while on-loan Tottenham midfielder Danny Rose is also cup-tied.