THE Brewers face arguably their toughest opponent yet on Saturday, when they host table-topping and free-scoring Newcastle United.
Burton’s recent form may be concerning for Nigel Clough but he’ll know his players will be up for the fight against the Championship’s title favourites.Successive defeats on the bounce leave the Yellows just a place and two points above the dropzone but the weekend’s clash gives them an opportunity to cause a major upset.
Most of Newcastle’s talented squad, including manager Rafa Benitez, won’t have played or managed at a stadium like the Pirelli and won’t be underestimating their opponents.
While many are expecting the Magpies juggernaut to carry on rolling, Burton offer a very different opposition compared to Wigan on Wednesday.
Newcastle rarely got out of second gear at an empty DW Stadium with Mo Diame and Christian Atsu scoring the all-important goals to send them back to the summit.
With attacking players like Jonjo Shelvey, Yoan Gouffran, Matt Ritchie and Championship top-scorer Dwight Gayle among their ranks, it’s clear why teams fear playing Newcastle.
Benitez’s side are also a formidable force away from home, conceding just five goals, thanks to the blossoming defensive relationship between Ciaran Clark and former Nottingham Forest duo Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow.
But Burton won’t be fazed, they know teams find it difficult on their turf and will go toe-to-toe with Newcastle in front of a packed-out Pirelli Stadium.
The Brewers were unfortunate to lose to Huddersfield during their last game, with the opposition manager, David Wagner, admitting it was a tougher away day than at St James’ Park.
While Burton are winless in their last two games, they can take hope from improved performances and won’t be overawed by the Championship’s leaders.
You can back our boys at 9/2 with club sponsor TempoBet.
Chris O’Grady is still looking to break his duck since joining the club and will be chomping at the bit to have a go at Newcastle’s backline, in a bid to get his on personal campaign on track.
The striker is available at 2/1 to score anytime.