MATCH PREVIEW vs Walsall
The Brewers go in to Saturday’s game still at the top of Sky Bet League One. The gap was cut to just one point between 1st and 2nd in the league on Tuesday night but the Albion managed to extend their lead again with a win on Saturday.The Saddlers go in to the game off the back of a draw to Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
HEAD TO HEAD
Just like many teams this season, Burton Albion and Walsall have never met competitively in any competition.
TEAM NEWS
DARIUS CHARLES will definitely miss the fixture through injury as he nears a full recovery from a broken leg.
ZELI ISMAIL has been out since pre-season where he collided with the post in a home friendly fixture with Leicester City and has struggled to recover ever since. He has been training with the group for a couple of weeks now and he will be ready for the bench on Saturday.
CALLUM REILLY has picked up a groin injury which has kept him out of the past couple of matches and he went for a scan a couple of weeks back. There is not an indication on how long the midfielder will be out for.
NASSER EL KHAYATI took a knock on Saturday but he should be fit and ready again for Walsall.
The Brewers could line up unchanged from the team that beat Southend United on Saturday although El Khayati could drop to the bench and Ismail may return to the match day squad.
ONE TO WATCH
Tom Bradshaw
Tom Bradshaw, a 23-year-old Welsh international wears the number nine for the Saddlers which is close to the amount of goals he has already scored this season. The forward has netted eight goals in all competitions.
The striker has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season, making the second most appearances in the Walsall team.
Bradshaw has been capped 12 times for Wales at U19 and U12 level scoring three goals in the process. He is yet to make an appearances as a full international but has come close to a call-up.
Before moving to Walsall, he previously represented Shrewsbury Town and Aberystwyth Town racking up over 90 appearances for both teams combined scoring over 30 goals.
IN FORM
Burton Albion (LAST 5 ALL COMPS)
W4, L0, D1
Walsall (LAST 5 ALL COMPS)
W1, L1, D3
FROM THE GAFFER
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:
“We need to look at Walsall to see who can open them up.
“Dean Smith has done exceptionally well.
“They have got an energetic squad and their work rate is very good.
“They are very quick on the attack. They can play their passing game but they can also play direct.
“You would think there wouldn't be a lot of goals.
“They are a good team and I think we will see a high energy game.”
FROM THE PLAYER
John Mousinho:
“If you had said to me at the start of the season ‘this is going to be a top of the table clash’ I don’t think I would have quite believed you but having said that, I know Walsall struggled last season but I remember playing them a couple of years ago under Dean Smith and they were excellent.
“They had a real batch of youngsters but they had to sell a couple of them off but they have re-built brilliantly.
“They play good football.
“I know their manager is getting a lot of plaudits.”
VENUE
Bescot Stadium,
Walsall,
West Midlands,
WS1 4SA
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket prices will increase by £2 on the day so Burton Albion supporters are being urged to buy their tickets in advance.
Adult - £19.50
Over 60’s - £14.50
Under 18’s - £14.50
Walsall also offer a family ticket (One adult and One Junior U18) for £21.50 in advance but these can only be purchased through the Walsall Ticket Office directly.
Walsall also offer a free U12 ticket when purchased with an adult but again this has to be done directly through the Walsall ticket office.
FANS VIEW
@burtonalbionfc@WFCOfficial will be the biggest game in England on Saturday need to bring as much fans as possible!
— Dan Tate (@_DanTate) October 5, 2015
@burtonalbionfc@WFCOfficial such a big game already. Hopefully a massive Burton following. Extended highlights on FLT I would imagine
— Adam Drew (@adamBAFCdrew) October 5, 2015
Buzzing for Walsall away already. Train away day for a change
— Adam Drew (@adamBAFCdrew) October 5, 2015
Biggest game in England this weekend 👀
— Josh (@_JoshBAFC) October 5, 2015
Monday morning is here once again. Got Walsall away at the end of the week to look to though. 2nd v 1st #bafc
— Adam Drew (@adamBAFCdrew) October 5, 2015