NIGEL Clough takes his Burton Albion side to Leeds United tomorrow afternoon as Championship football returns following the international break.
HEAD 2 HEAD
This fixture last season finished in a 2-0 defeat for the Brewers, despite dominating large parts of the game. The reverse fixture saw Albion pick up all three points with a 2-1 win over The Whites thanks to a goal each from Marvin Sordell and Michael Kightly.
SEASON SO FAR
Thomas Christiansen has enjoyed life in the Championship so far, after seeing his Leeds United team sit third in the table heading into the first international break of the season. They opened their season with a 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers before following that up with a 4-1 victory over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
Leeds are yet to be beaten in the Championship, having scored seven goals and conceding just the two goals.
LEEDS TEAM NEWS
From the home camp, Stuart Dallas featured heavily for Northern Ireland during the international break so may be rested for this encounter. Pablo Hernandez looks the most likely to replace him.
New loan signing Pierre-Michel Lasogga is likely to be absent as his partner is expected to go into labour this week. Eunan O'Kane is also doubtful with a knock.
Matthew Pennington is back fit and available for selection, however, Thomas Christiansen will likely opt for the same defence that has registered back-to-back league clean sheets.
BREWERS TEAM NEWS
In terms of Albion’s squad, Joe Mason scored with his first touch of the ball against Sheffield Wednesday and could make his first start at Leeds as the Brewers look to make it four games unbeaten.
The departure of Jackson Irvine has left a hole in the Burton midfield and the onus may fall on new signing Jamie Allen to fill it.
Liam Boyce is still sidelined, but Stephen Warnock could make his return from injury. Luke Varney is ruled out through a hamstring injury, so is Hope Akpan.
Luke Murphy is ineligible to face his parent club.
MANAGER’S THOUGHTS
Nigel Clough says the Brewers have to start picking up away points – beginning with the testing trips to Leeds United on Saturday.
The Brewers boss said: “We are looking to get something from the next two away games. We were 1-1 at Hull with 11 men and had a good spell at Middlesbrough as well. We can’t rely totally on our home form.
“We are three unbeaten and want to keep that going. It’s amazing how that breeds confidence. It’s a difficult league in which to get a run going but after losing our first three we have bounced back and are in reasonable shape.”
Click here to watch Nigel Clough and John Brayford's pre-match press conferences.
REFEREE
Oliver Langford will be the man with the whistle at Elland Road. The West-Midlands based official has officiated eight games this season, handing out 21 yellow cards in the process. Mr Langford last refereed Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium in the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town back in April.
TICKETS
Supporters are advised to buy their tickets in advance due to a £5 increase on the day for supporters buying over 16 tickets.
Coach travel is also available leaving at noon, (please turn up 15 mintues before departure) - Price per seat £13.50 and arrives back at the Pirelli around 6.30pm.
Supporters wishing to buy before 4pm today are priced at:
Adults: £37
Aged 60: plus £25
Disabled: (wheelchair/ambulant) £25
Aged 16-22: £25
Under 16: £16
Under 11: £8
The prices below are the prices for supporters wishing to buy on the day.
Matchday prices are:
Adults: £42
Aged 60 plus: £30
Disabled: (wheelchair/ambulant) £30
Aged 16-22: £30
Under 16: £16
Under 11: £8