Burton Albion play host to Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday evening looking to respond to suffering their first League One defeat in eight matches at the weekend.
The Brewers sit just two points adrift of their next opponents, who occupy 17th position after putting together a three-match unbeaten streak.
Match preview
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has enjoyed a dream return to Burton, claiming 28 points from his first 13 matches back in charge of the Staffordshire outfit.
However, two fixtures without success have left the Dutchman with plenty still to ponder as his side look to keep themselves away from the bottom four.
There will not be an over-reaction to succumbing 2-1 an improving MK Dons outfit, but it was a reminder that their stunning form over the past two months will count for nothing unless they get over the line.
The versatile Lucas Akins ended a five-match wait for a goal at the weekend, ensuring that Burton extended their scoring run to eight contests.
Shrewsbury are another team who have enjoyed somewhat of a revival since the end of January with 19 points coming from their most recent 12 encounters.
With Steve Cotterill still unavailable due to illness, deputy Aaron Wilbraham and his squad are continuing to keep the club out of a relegation scrap.
Having let slip leads against Charlton Athletic and Hull City, there will be a tinge of frustration that the gap ahead of 21st-placed Wigan Athletic is still only nine points.
Shrewsbury have also been restricted to one first-half goal in six matches, a return which has contributed to just one win being recorded in six fixtures.
Nevertheless, the performances of the Shrews suggest that they have no business being involved in a prolonged battle at the wrong end of the standings.
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- D
- L
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- W
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- D
Team News
Hasselbaink is hopeful that Michael Bostwick will be in a position to return to the centre of defence after missing the last three games through injury.
That would allow Michael Mancienne to move into midfield, a switch which could result in Terry Taylor dropping out of the team.
While Danny Rowe is closing in on a return from a hamstring problem, Hasselbaink may opt against taking any risks on the midfielder.
Shrewsbury will be forced into at least two alterations with goalkeeper Matija Sarkic heading off on international duty with Montenegro and Brad Walker suffering a groin injury.
Harry Burgoyne will take his place between the sticks, while David Davis is expected to be included in midfield.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Garratt; Brayford, Carter, Bostwick, Hamer; Clare, Bostwick; Smith, Edwards, Akins; Hemmings
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Burgoyne; Pennington, Ebanks-Landell, Williams; Daniels, Davis, Vela, Norburn, Ogbeta; Udoh, Whalley
We say: Burton Albion 0-0 Shrewsbury Town
Given the margin for error at the bottom of the table, both teams will see the value in focusing on avoiding defeat. With that in mind, we can only see a low-scoring fixture which may end goalless if the two teams go into their shell.
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