Gary Rowett’s Burton Albion will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host promotion-rivals Cheltenham Town at the Pirelli Stadium.
The Brewers tasted rare defeat last Saturday, going down 3-0 at Bristol Rovers, however it is something the Manager is not dwelling on.
‘It’s out first defeat in eight so you have to say that’s a really good run of form. If we can replicate something like that in the next eight games we’ll have done really really well.
‘We’ve done brilliantly this season at the Pirelli Stadium and to win eight in a row is a massive achievement.‘
The Brewers have been ruthless at home all season and especially of late, however third-placed Cheltenham will provide a stern test of Burton’s credentials.
‘It’s going to be a tough game, any team, not just those around us, will cause problems as we found out by the likes of Aldershot coming here earlier in the season and Cheltenham have been doing very well’ says Rowett.
‘However if we do the right things, make the right decisions and play with the same energy we’ve played with in recent home games we shouldn’t have anything to fear.’
With the business end of the season rapidly approaching, the Brewers have all to play for and the Manager believes the pressure can be a positive.
‘You always try and prepare in the same way but what is different is that the players are aware that there is a little bit more to play for now but with ten games to go you don’t really want to highlight that too much.
‘You don’t want to give yourself any added pressure but at the same time the players need to know that this is the time when they really need to step up to the plate and show the determination and drive to do something.’
After naming an unchanged side for the trip to Bristol Rovers, the opportunity to tweak the side for Cheltenham’s visit is one the Manager may look to take.
‘The obvious one is Zander, he’s our captain and probably our player of the season up to now so this might be the right time to bring him back in.
Calvin, too, comes under consideration but we’re not sure yet whether he’s ready to start the game but we’ve got a pretty settled side and you always have the options of maybe bringing in one or two into the team to perhaps increase energy levels.