NIGEL Clough believes Saturday's visitors Cardiff City will be challenging for promotion this season.
The Brewers take on Neil Warnock's side at the Pirelli Stadium on the opening day of the new Championship season - the first of five former Premier Leage clubs in a row.
Clough believes that Cardff will be one of the stronger teams in the league.
He said: "I think Cardiff have a realistic chance of pushing for promotion. Neil Warnock said at times last season that it wouldn't take much for them to be there and thereabouts. His record of winning promotions is exceptional and coming back here, he will want to get off to a good start. It’s a long hard season but we all know the confidence you get from a good start.
"Twelve months ago Cardiff did struggle so he will be underlining the importance of them starting well."
Clough believes his Brewers team are now ready to go after finishing pre-season with a confidence boosting win over Leicester City.
"We have been working now for five and a half weeks so most of the preparation is done and hopefully it will come good on Saturday and beyond. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"Our fans will see honesty, endeavour and they will see a team battling very hard in every fixture."