THE next two games will be vital in Burton Albion’s fight for Championship survival says Nigel Clough.
The Brewers boss said: “The next two games, maybe not in terms of results but certainly in terms of performances, will go a long way to deciding whether we will stay in this league or not.”
The manager is hoping for a reaction after Friday’s defeat at home to Sheffield United.
He said: “We have to battle and scrap as we know we aren’t as good as other teams but that doesn’t stop us fighting.
“Friday was a huge disappointment, as disappointing as at any time this season, especially on the back of a good result at Millwall and the week’s training. It’s as low as we have been with the result and performance on Friday night but we get three days’ break and it’s back down to London to play one of the in-form teams in the Championship.
“Brentford at home are as dangerous as any team we will play. They are playing well at the moment despite losing to Cardiff on Saturday. They will want to put that behind them and get back on track against us."
Brentford have scored a lot of late goals this season, something Clough is wary of.
He said: “That’s the way they keep playing and wear teams down. They keep probing and passing and teams think they have got through it and that’s when they concede the goals. Our priority early on will be not to concede and make mistakes.
“A point in any circumstances would be a good result at Brentford. We go with the same intention as always - if we can’t win it, don’t lose it. If we can get something it will put us in reasonable spirits for Sunderland. Whatever the result tomorrow it will be a big game on Saturday.”