BURTON Albion return to League One action on Saturday after a short break as high-flying Barnsley welcome the Brewers back to the Pirelli Stadium.
The Tykes are pushing for automatic promotion under new manager Daniel Stendel and are just one of the current top four sides that Burton must face before the campaign comes to close.
Portsmouth and league leaders Luton will travel to Albion, while a trip up to the Stadium of Light is still on the cards for Nigel Clough’s side next Tuesday night.
However, experienced campaigner John Brayford sees no reason to fear the upcoming fixture list that would frighten many.
"Personally I can think we can beat any of those teams," said the defender, on the prospect of playing the top four. "It’s just a matter of doing it on a consistent basis."
"I don’t see anything in their teams I’d trade for anything in our team. I think we are as good a football team in this league as you can get."
Brayford and the squad have every right to be optimistic entering the final run of matches. The Brewers took all three points at home to Sunderland in September, earned a point away at Fratton Park and most recently held Barnsley to a 0-0 at Oakwell.
Performances like these have not been a rarity, yet Brayford admits they need to come more regularly.
"There’s been stages throughout the season where we’ve let the manager down from our performances," he added.
"As far as I see it, we are one of the best teams, we just need to improve that on a personal basis.”
Albion sit 11th in the table and The Brewers are looking up after two impressive home victories in succession against Blackpool and Accrington Stanley. And Brayford says the squad will continue to fight for everything until the season has concluded.
"You never know what’s going to happen with the playoff run," said Brayford. "There’s always teams that come out of the pack.
"I know the points difference is pretty big at this moment in time but there’s no thought of giving up, every game you play, you play for three points."