BURTON Albion return to Sky Bet League One action as we take on Crewe Alexandra in our first fixture of 2022 - with a New Year’s Day game that kicks off at 3pm.
FORM GUIDE
The Brewers come into the game having not played since December 11 with Covid causing postponements of our home games with MK Dons and Bolton and away game at Sheffield Wednesday.
That has meant an unscheduled Christmas break for Albion which Dino Maamria says is a disappointment.
"It’s been a tough couple of weeks but when you’re in a situation like that, you’ve got to take a broader, wider vision, and some of our lads needed a rest. Some had Covid and needed a rest anyway, but it was good time spent with the family and almost have a reset too.
"Before Christmas, we came back (to training) for a couple of days, then on Sunday we came back in and had a big chat with the group out on the pitch, and it was almost ‘let’s kick on in the second part of the season’.”
Meanwhile, Crewe managed to play their first game since December 11 on December 29 recording an away win at fellow strugglers Morecambe with former Brewer Luke Murphy scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory. That result lifted Crewe off the foot of the table.
HEAD 2 HEAD
Since the Brewers joined the Football League in 2009 it has been pretty much honours even between Albion and Crewe.
The Brewers have won four, drawn four and lost five, including the last time out when we lost 2-0 at the Mornflake Stadium on September 18.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The referee for the game is Peter Wright, assisted by Marvyn Amphlett and Alan Clayton with Simon Mather as the fourth official.
Referee Wright has shown 63 yellow cards and two red cards so far this season. He booked four players the last time he took charge of a Brewers game – our 2-0 home victory over Doncaster in November.
MINUTE’S SILENCE
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off against Crewe, where Burton Albion will be remembering those connected to the football club who have sadly passed away during the last 18 months.
We asked you to submit your names and dedications to remember those we have lost during the pandemic, whether through Covid or not.
These will feature on the club website, on the scoreboard and in our special commemorative programme priced at £3, where you can read all the dedications. The programme will be available to purchase in the Club Shop from Monday if you can’t get one at the game.
SPONSORS
Match sponsor - Pirelli.
Pirelli now has a vast network of Pirelli Performance Centres across the country, with the flagship retail tyre depot right here in Burton, adjacent to the UK headquarters.
Representing Pirelli will be Matt Wildig, Business Development Manager, and his guests.
Man of the Match sponsor – Palletforce
Palletforce is the UK’s leading express distribution network, offering everything from national palletised distribution to a trusted European service.
Representing the firm will be James Bunton, who is an ardent Brewers fan.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Happy birthday to Chris Insley who will be celebrating his 70th by enjoying hospitality.
And congratulations to Rob Webb, who will complete having seen at least one match at all 92 Premier League and EFL grounds.
FAMILY ZONE
Families can start their matchday experience 90 minutes before kick-off, with activities on the 3G pitch next to the BACT building.
The Family Zone will feature music, lots of games and activities, teas and coffees. Visitors to the Family Zone will be encouraged to grab an ‘honesty flag’ to use during the game to cheer on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team which we ask you to return after the match.
The Family Zone will be open from 1.30pm to 2.45pm.
COVID SAFETY
BURTON Albion fans will not be required to provide proof of Covid vaccination status to attend games at the Pirelli Stadium.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to all home games as usual and we will be taking extra measures to ensure your safety. All Burton Albion staff will wear masks at all times and will undertake lateral flow tests before entering the ground.
We also encourage supporters to wear a face mask in all areas of the stadium when not eating or drinking.
Hand sanitisers will be widely available around the ground and fans are encouraged to use them.
We would also encourage fans to take a lateral flow test before attending games and to NOT come to the Pirelli Stadium if they are unwell. You can read our Covid Code of Conduct HERE https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2021/august/covid-code-of-conduct/
IFOLLOW
This game is not available to live stream, but you can buy an audio only Match pass for £2.50. https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/ifollow/subscribe/
TICKETS
Book your tickets right now via our online ticket store or, if you are purchasing on your mobile phone use our new web-based app:
https://ba6.glitnirticketing.com/baticket/mobile/evlistm.php
You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Club Shop at the Pirelli Stadium or you can call 01283 565938.