Preview: Burton Albion vs. Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

Burton Albion will look to put an end to a four-game league losing run on Tuesday, when they entertain Accrington Stanley at the Pirelli Stadium.

A poor run of form has seen the Brewers drop to 15th spot in the League One table, while their visitors sit 17th after consecutive defeats of their own.

Match preview

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After a mixed start to the league season, Burton Albion sat with a commendable tally of 22 points from 14 outings, but they have since seen a major dip in results, having now lost four straight games in the third tier.

Back-to-back wins were firstly followed by a 3-1 home defeat to Oxford United before they were beaten 2-0 away at promotion-chasing Wigan Athletic.

After a narrow 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's men fell to another defeat by the same scoreline on Saturday, as Max Watters netted the only goal of the game for their hosts.

Having now dropped to 15th spot after 18 games, with only 23rd-placed Doncaster Rovers and basement side Crewe Alexandra netting fewer than their tally of 16 league goals, the Brewers will be desperate to correct their form on Tuesday, and they meet an Accrington Stanley side in a similar situation.

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After an 11th-placed finish last season, Tuesday's visitors will have hoped for another positive campaign this time around, and, with 19 points from their first 13 games, John Coleman's men sat comfortably in mid-table.

Their form has also taken a dip in recent weeks, firstly playing out draws with Portsmouth and Gillingham before they were thrashed 4-1 by league leaders Plymouth Argyle, as Ethan Hamilton turned the ball into his own net before Jordan Houghton, Ryan Broom and Ryan Hardie got on the scoresheet.

Stanley took on an out-of-sorts Sheffield Wednesday side on Saturday, and, while they looked to be out of the game on the half-hour mark with Chey Dunkley, Theo Corbeanu and Florian Kamberi giving the Owls a 3-0 lead, Coleman's men quickly gave themselves a fighting chance.

Lewis Mansell and Joel Mumbongo drew their side within one goal but they eventually fell short, although the boss should be encouraged by his team's unwillingness to roll over.

They will now look to reverse their fortunes and begin a climb back up the table on Tuesday, with the chance to leapfrog the Brewers, who sit just one point ahead having played a game more.

Team News

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Burton Albion will remain without centre-back Adedeji Oshilaja, who continues to serve a suspension for a red card shown against former club Charlton Athletic.

Experienced defender Michael Bostwick slotted into the back three in his absence last time out, and he should again line up alongside Ryan Leak and Conor Shaughnessy.

Despite netting just one league goal so far this season, Sheffield United loanee Daniel Jebbison should continue to lead the line, with the likes of Jacob Maddox and Kane Hemmings battling to partner the 18-year-old.

Accrington Stanley should have a full squad to pick from, and, after a spirited effort against Sheffield Wednesday, John Coleman is unlikely to make too many changes.

Forward Joel Mumbungo will be pushing to start though, after he scored within 10 minutes of coming off the bench in that game, with the Burnley loanee potentially complementing Lewis Mansell.

Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Garratt; Shaughnessy, Bostwick, Leak; Hamer, Mancienne, Taylor, Borthwick-Jackson; Powell; Hemmings, Jebbison

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Sykes, Nottingham, Rodgers; Hamilton, Coyle, Conneely, McConville; Pell, Mansell, Mumbongo

We say: Burton Albion 1-1 Accrington Stanley

With both sides keen to avoid another defeat, we see this being a cagey encounter and cannot quite pick a winner.

The hosts have struggled going forward, while their visitors' defensive record is not one to be proud of, so something must give at the Pirelli Stadium.

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