DINO Maamria says having the fans back in the stadium played a massive part in Saturday’s victory over Ipswich Town - and wants to see the same tonight against Sunderland.
Burton Albion fans only can pay in cash on the terraces on the night (matchday prices increase by £2) for the visit of the Black Cats, who like the Brewers have won their first two games of the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season.
After that 2-1 win at home to Ipswich on Saturday, Albion assistant manager Maamria was keen to praise the atmosphere created by our fans, and is asking for more of the same tonight.
“I’ve seen what the Pirelli Stadium is like on an evening game," said Maamria.
"Hopefully our fans turn up in their numbers, which I’m sure they will, and they’re going to play a massive part like they did on Saturday.
“I certainly believe that Saturday’s result was helped by having the fans back with the team.”
With the squad now focused on Sunderland, Maamria said he fully expects a good game under the lights at the Pirelli.
“It should be a good game with two teams in form with us both winning two games so far this season," said Maamria.
“Sunderland are a big club with Premier League history, they are probably disappointed to still be in League One and they will definitely be up there this season.
"They have a strong squad with a big fanbase that will back them, and that could definitely play a big part to push them.”
Maamaria also said that there were no new injury worries within the squad, with Michael Mancienne, Michael Bostwick and Aaron Amadi-Holloway all returning to the squad against Ipswich, with Kane Hemmings' hamstring injury also ahead of schedule.
“He (Michael Mancienne) was okay yesterday," said Maamria. "We didn’t do a lot today as expected with him being out the last couple of weeks so we’ve tried to look after him and hopefully he will be available again for selection.
“Bostwick is alright as well, he had an internal game last week and played over 45 minutes and trained again yesterday with the boys.
“He (Amadi-Holloway) is coming back to fitness, but he might not be ready at the minute. If we don’t have to risk him then we won’t but otherwise he is part of the squad."
Maamria also confirmed that midfielder Bryn Morris is currently sidelined with a dead leg sustained in our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United.