Burton Albion Manager Gary Rowett believes his side will travel to London to take on in-form AFC Wimbledon in a positive frame of mind.
The Brewers have suffered back-to-back home defeats against Oxford United and Portsmouth respectively and now face a side with a 100% home league record so far this campaign.
Albion’s away form, though, is impressive and whilst acknowledging the toughness of the task in hand, Rowett is adamant his side have the credentials to achieve a positive result.
‘Every game is tough, you’re battling first and foremost against yourself and looking to perform to your own standards and then the opposition come into it as well’ said Rowett.
‘This year our away form has been good and we’ve looked to concentrate on what we do and to be as consistent as we can and we’ve got the players to do that.
‘I’m looking forward to the match. It’ll be tough and they have been in good form since the last 10 games of last season and beyond and I think they are building a very good, competitive side down there.’
By the manager’s own admission, the Brewers haven’t been at their best in recent outings and that is something Rowett is looking to put right against AFC Wimbledon.
‘What I have said to the players is that I want to come away from the game and see that we have given it absolutely everything and worked as hard as we possibly can.
‘I want that little bit of fight and spark that we’ve perhaps been missing the last few games.’
The Brewers boss has plenty to ponder in terms of selection for Saturday’s contest with changes, some enforced, likely.
‘There’s certainly plenty to think about as always.
‘We’ve got quite a few players who are doubtful. Billy (Kee) hasn’t made it in time, Rory (Delap) is a doubt as is Chris Hussey and Jimmy Phillips whilst Ian Sharps is suspended.
‘However we’ve got more than enough players capable of getting a result and we’ll go down there really positively. We’re unbeaten away from home and have put in some excellent performances on the road.’
Albion currently sit in 10th position in Sky Bet League 2 with Saturday’s opponents AFC Wimbledon three places and two points better off and Rowett believes it is now time for his side to build on the foundations of the opening weeks.
‘We’ve made a solid start. We now need to build on it. Yes, we’ve been disappointed with the last couple of games but we’ll look to put that behind us and go down to Wimbledon and do what we’re good at; that’s what I am hoping for.
To watch the full interview with Gary Rowett visit http://www.player.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/home