Burton Albion play host to Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon knowing they will take a giant step towards League One survival with a win.
However, while the Brewers sit in 20th position in the standings, their 23rd-placed opponents can move within two points of them if they prevail at the Pirelli Stadium.
Match preview
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Having spent almost the entire season in the relegation zone, Gary Bowyer has worked wonders to keep Burton's fate in their own hands with three matches remaining.
Although three defeats have been suffered in seven matches, they have all been against teams sitting in the top five, including going down by a 2-1 scoreline at home to champions Birmingham City.
Ten points have been accumulated from the other four encounters, a 2-1 triumph over Leyton Orient the highlight, while Burton's goal difference is 11 better than Bristol Rovers behind them.
With a game in hand at home to Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, the Brewers essentially have two bites of the cherry to stay in control heading into the final weekend.
Nevertheless, victory here would put them on the brink of survival, Bowyer currently one of the managers of the season with eight wins and seven draws from his 24 matches in charge.
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Meanwhile, Cambridge boss Neil Harris deserves his own credit for keeping his team in the mix for survival after a four-match losing streak in March.
Nine points have been accumulated from the following seven matches to put the club in a position where they must win their final two fixtures to have a chance to remaining in the third tier.
The downside is that Birmingham are their opponents on the final day, yet Harris and his players must focus on the short term and winning at Burton.
Letting slip a lead to lose 2-1 to Leyton Orient last time out has left Cambridge on the brink, but they have beaten Shrewsbury Town and Huddersfield in their most recent two away contests.
Team News
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Fabio Tavares is in contention for a recall to the Burton attack after netting as a substitute against Birmingham.
Julian Larsson seems most likely to drop out of the side in what may prove to be the only alteration made by Bowyer.
Midfielder Charlie Webster serves the final game of his four-match suspension.
As for Cambridge, Harris may be reluctant to tinker with his Cambridge side, despite their narrow defeat to Leyton Orient.
Liam Bennett is an option to return at right-back with James Gibbons switching to the left, Danny Andrew in line to miss out if Harris goes with those options.
Kelland Watts is another alternative on the left, yet he is expected to remain in the centre.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Godwin-Malife, Sweeney, Armer; Lofthouse, Chauke, Williams, Dodgson; Tavares, McKiernan; Burrell
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Stevens; Bennett, Morrison, Watts, Gibbons; Digby, Stevenson; Brophy, Stokes, Kaikai; Loft
We say: Burton Albion 2-1 Cambridge United
With two away victories on their recent record, Cambridge will back themselves to continue to upset the odds in Staffordshire. However, we feel that Burton will shake off their narrow defeat to Birmingham and post the three points that could prove decisive in the battle to stay up.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
