Preview: Burton Albion vs. Cheltenham Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Burton Albion will move to the top of the League One standings if they can get the better of Cheltenham Town on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, the visitors make the trip to the Pirelli Stadium having collected four points from as many games since earning promotion to the third tier.

Match preview

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Given how Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink transformed Burton during the second half of last season, few people will be surprised to see the Brewers at the right end of the table.

Nevertheless, moving into first place would represent a remarkable achievement for the Dutchman and his squad, just 29 matches after his appointment at the start of 2021.

First and foremost, Burton must produce a response to losing 3-0 at Cambridge United on Saturday, a result which came on the back of defeating promotion rivals Sunderland.

However, Hasselbaink will be grateful for having nearly a week to prepare for this contest, allowing him to work further with a much-changed group of players.

The one negative of their campaign is scoring just four goals in as many games with none of this squad contributing more than one strike.

Cheltenham, who sit 13 places below their hosts in the standings, have scored two more goals than their hosts since earning a return to League One.

Possessing the division's worst defensive record will frustrate manager Michael Duff, but he will have few complaints from a hectic start to the campaign.

Their sole success came against pre-season title favourites Ipswich Town, while Cheltenham have earned a spot in the EFL Cup third round after negotiating ties with Bristol Rovers and Gillingham respectively.

Callum Wright has been a huge hit during his second spell on loan from Leicester City, already contributing two goals and an assist from the centre of midfield.

Team News

Tom O'Connor is likely to miss out for Burton after suffering a hamstring injury during the early stages of the Cambridge game.

With Hasselbaink having been left impressed by Cameron Borthwick-Jackson's performance in midfield, the left-back could continue to deputise for O'Connor.

Despite being disappointed with the performance at the Abbey Stadium, Hasselbaink may be prepared to stick with the other 10 players.

Having made a number of changes for the EFL Cup, Duff could revert back to the team which lost 3-2 at Fleetwood Town last week.

However, Ellis Chapman and George Lloyd both gave good accounts of themselves at Gillingham on Tuesday night, putting them both in contention for an opportunity.

Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Garratt; Brayford, Shaughnessy, Leak, Hamer; Mancienne, Borthwick-Jackson; Smith, Powell, Akins; Patrick

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Flinders; Raglan, Tozer, Boyle; Long, Wright, Thomas, Sercombe, Hussey; May, Williams

We say: Burton Albion 2-1 Cheltenham Town

Burton were already favourites for this contest before Cheltenham were given a short turnaround after the EFL Cup.

With that in mind, we have to back the home side to outlast their opponents over the course of the 90 minutes.