After consecutive defeats in the league, Burton Albion will be hoping to get their season back on track this Saturday in the FA Cup when they host Needham Market.
The non-league side have been impressive in the competition so far, but they head into the game after two draws in a row.
Match preview
Burton Albion will be looking to put their previous two matches behind them, especially last weekend which saw them defeated 4-2 by Sheffield Wednesday.
Last season the club was able to progress past this stage in the FA Cup, and that is something that the squad will be seeing as a baseline minimum to repeat this time around.
Two late goals last Saturday showcased that Burton are prepared to fight for everything, even when they are four goals down, which could prove to be important in this competition.
The FA Cup is coming at a good time for the Brewers considering the fact that they are currently bottom of the League One table having won just three of their 17 games so far.
This type of match could be the distraction that the team needs to play with a little freedom and lack of progression, which might bring more confidence into them afterward.
The visitors have been strong in the FA Cup so far this season, having only conceded a single goal in their four qualifying round victories that has led them to this point.
Needham Market's defensive efforts in knockout football is something that has certainly helped them, and will be crucial this Saturday against much stronger opposition.
In the league they have seen mixed success so far, with five wins, three draws, and four defeats to this point, but the FA Cup has been a great distraction from that.
However, after consecutive draws in their past two matches, Needham Market will be wanting to get back to winning ways on Saturday, even if it will take a cup upset to make it happen.
With this being the Needham's first ever game in the FA Cup proper it will mark a historic occasion regardless of the result, but the club will be looking to provide even more surprises for their fans.
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Team News
Sam Winnall came off the bench to score for Burton at the weekend, and he could have earned his way into the starting lineup this time around with his impact.
The 4-2-3-1 formation is something that the Brewers are likely to continue implementing this time around as well, as the club continues to search for consistency.
Luke Ingram has been a key man for the visitors so far this season, and it was his goal in the previous round that helped get the club to this stage which should lead to him having a place in the starting XI on Saturday.
Patrick Brothers was also able to return from injury last weekend which brought positive news to the club, and he is likely to feature again this time around.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Garratt; Hamer, Hughes, Mariappa, Oshilaja; Butcher, Taylor; Smith, Onyango, Powell; Winnall
Needham Market possible starting lineup:
Garnham; Hammond, Dye, Frimpong, Cullum; Morphew, Lay, McGrath; Brothers, Crane, Ingram
We say: Burton Albion 3-0 Needham Market
The FA Cup is a competition known for its cup upsets, and underdogs often thrive in these games, which will give the visitors some hope.
However, even though Needham Market have been defensively resilient, it is Burton Albion who are the strong favourites to progress here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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