Burton Albion will continue to try and push away from the League One relegation zone when they host 11th-placed Exeter City on Saturday.
Despite their current league position, the hosts have won consecutive matches heading into this game, with another one potentially pushing them as high as 17th.
Match preview
It has been a tough campaign for Burton Albion this season, and with the club just one point and place above the relegation zone there is plenty of pressure to be felt right now.
The Brewers have continued to show heart and character though, and consecutive wins in their most recent matches has led to them climbing out of the bottom four.
The most recent win took place last weekend against Fleetwood Town in what proved to be a five-goal thriller, with both teams pushing each other to their limits.
After Tom Hamer scored an 80th-minute goal, the team were left gutted when Fleetwood equalised in the 94th minute of the game, which was a hammer blow.
However, Burton Albion showcased just how much they want to get out of the relegation scrap by continuing to fight in the match, as Charlie Kirk scored in the 98th minute to earn his team all of the points, and that level of team spirit will be required once again this weekend.
Unlike their opponents, Exeter were not able to secure a victory during their previous outing which resulted in a 2-1 defeat against Charlton Athletic.
The Grecians conceded both goals in the opening 20 minutes of the game, and despite the fact that Demetri Mitchell scored in the first half they were not able to kick on and earn a point.
The result continued their recent inconsistency, with Exeter having won three, drawn one, and lost two in their previous six League One fixtures, which is why they currently sit in the middle of the table.
If the Grecians want to kick on and start progressing up the division, then it is going to require that to change, particularly away from home where they have only won three games this season.
Considering the current league position of their opponents this weekend, the team will no doubt believe that they can add another to that, which could see them climb above Portsmouth if their result is favourable.
Team News
Burton were dealt an injury blow recently as it was confirmed that Terry Taylor will be out of action for several weeks, which will be extended if he requires surgery.
Ciaran Gilligan is also ruled out for this match, while Bobby Kamwa and Sam Lavelle are doubts, but could potentially be available, which would be a welcome boost for the Brewers.
Mitchell will be hoping to retain his place in the Exeter starting lineup after scoring his first goal for the club since signing, bringing a fresh attacking quality.
The visitors were without Josh Coley and Kyle Taylor for their recent match against Charlton though, and that is something that could be an issue once again this time around.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
MacGillivray; Hughes, Brayford, Moon; Hamer, Oshilaja, Kirk, Ashworth; Smith, Helm, Taylor
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Brown; Sweeney, Diabate, Hartridge; Caprice, Collins, Kite, Mitchell; White, Brown; Nombe
We say: Burton Albion 1-1 Exeter City
A closely-fought contest could be on the cards this weekend and with little to separate the two sides, we predict a score draw to be played out at the Pirelli Stadium.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
