Burton Albion Football Club

BURTON Albion will head to St James' Park for the first time in their history tonight to face promotion favourites Newcastle United.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez before the game told his pre-match press conference that defenders DeAndre Yedlin and Ciaran Clark will both miss the game.
 
Dwight Gayle returned to the Magpies line-up from injury on Saturday against Wigan Athletic and scored as they beat the Latics 2-1.
 
From the Albion camp, Jackson Irvine will have his fitness assessed after playing twice for Australia last week. The midfielder came off the bench to score Albion's winner at Huddersfield on Saturday and manager Nigel Clough said he will see how he is ahead of the game.
 
Clough's other injury concerns include Kyle McFadzean, John Brayford, Tom Flanagan and Lucas Akins who all picked up knocks.
 
The Brewers come into the game four unbeaten on the road with three draws and one win which came last time out at Huddersfield on Saturday thanks to a late goal from Irvine.
 
Newcastle will be looking to make it back-to-back victories over the Brewers after winning 2-1 at the Pirelli back in December.

Keith Stroud will be the man in the middle at St James' Park tonight. The Hampshire-based referee has officiated 38 games this season, dishing out 170 yellow cards and 12 reds during that time. Mr Stroud was in charge of Burton Albion's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Pirelli Stadium last month. He also officiated Albion's 2-1 win over Wolves in February.
 
Benitez said about tonight's match: "Physically they are a strong team, they will come here with a clear game plan to frustrate us. “If we play well we have more chances but you can’t always play the way you want because the other teams are competitive."
 
Nigel Clough said: “As good as Huddersfield was it’s over now and we look forward to Newcastle. They are up there towards the top of the league and nobody expects us to get anything but we will try and upset the form book.
“Newcastle pose different problems to Huddersfield. It’s daunting for Burton Albion to be going to St James’ Park and to play in front of 50,000. It’s remarkable and I hope the chairman and everyone else enjoys the experience and if we can get a result then brilliant. They are going to get promoted this season and we might never get the chance to go there again. It’s one we must take in and relish."
 
Tickets are now off sale are will not be available on the gate at St James' Park.  

Travelling supporters will be based in the Leazes Stand on level 7. Albion fans should be aware that there are 140 stairs, and 14 landings to their seats. Albion are expected to be cheered on by over 700 Brewers fans.
 
Official coach travel is also available for this fixture:
Price per seat £15.00 
Departs at 2.30pm 
Expected return time 1am approximately.