Burton Albion square off against Exeter City on Saturday afternoon with Gary Bowyer looking to make an immediate impression as the club's new head coach.
At a time when the Brewers sit nine points adrift of safety, the visitors are five points clear of the League One relegation zone.
Match preview
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Having collected eight points from as many League One games during his caretaker reign, Tom Hounsell would have felt that he had the chance to remain in the Burton dugout.
Instead, the club's ambitious owners have instead appointed Bowyer as his replacement, the hope being that his experience can get the club out of trouble.
Bowyer has something to work with at least, the Brewers accumulating four points from recent games against Peterborough United, Wrexham and Leyton Orient. The one defeat came by a 1-0 scoreline to Wrexham.
Goals have proven to be the major issue of late, Burton netting just three times during Hounsell's brief time in charge with improving in defence being the main priority.
The objective for Bowyer will be to find a greater balance as he looks to ensure that the Staffordshire-based outfit do not fall further than nine points adrift of safety.
As for Exeter, Gary Caldwell is also in a position where he needs to galvanise his side in an effort to move away from the bottom four.
Just one win has been recorded in nine matches, the Grecians currently on a run of six games without success.
Curiously, their only point from five outings came at home to leaders Wycombe Wanderers, Exeter having since lost to Stockport County and Barnsley.
Nevertheless, some context is required when assessing their recent poor form. Each of their last six opponents sit in the top nine of the table.
Team News
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The Burton XI is somewhat of an unknown with Bowyer having been appointed as the new boss ahead of this contest.
That said, he is unlikely to overly tinker with a side that kept a clean sheet last time out, with Charlie Webster and Danilo Orsi most likely to be recalled in midfield or attack.
Despite suffering defeat last time out, Caldwell may be prepared to select the same Exeter XI for this contest.
Reece Cole is an alternative to Caleb Watts in a midfield role having replaced him at half time versus the Tykes.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Godwin-Malife, Vancooten, Sweeney, Sraha; Whitfield, Watt, Webster; Kalinauskas, Orsi, Bennett
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Whitmouth; Sweeney, Crama, Francis; Niskanen, Watts, Woods, McMillan; Aitchison; Magennis, Alli
We say: Burton Albion 1-2 Exeter City
With this the start of yet another new era for Burton, Bowyer will be eager to make an immediate impact. However, regardless of their own poor form, we feel that the visitors to the Pirelli Stadium have the qualities to edge this contest by the odd goal in three.
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Darren Plant
