Burton Albion will be aiming to leapfrog Charlton Athletic in League One's table when they meet at Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.
Both sides will be aiming to bounce back from defeat after narrowly being beaten last time out.
Match preview
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Despite falling to a sixth defeat in their last seven away games at Derby County on Monday evening, Burton could take plenty of positives from their 3-2 loss at Pride Park. It was new head coach Martin Paterson's first game in charge after being appointed last week.
The Brewers fell two goals behind when James Collins scored four minutes after half time, but Steve Seddon and Joe Hugill struck either side of the hour mark to restore parity. Burton appeared to be heading for an unlikely point, but Conor Hourihane had other ideas by snatching all three points in the third minute of injury time.
Paterson, who is embarking on his first senior managerial role having previously worked as Michael Duff's assistant at Barnsley and Swansea City, will be pleased to see his side returning to home duties this weekend. Burton have claimed seven points from their last three matches at the Pirelli Stadium, which is in stark contrast to their dismal away form.
Although Burton only sit two places above the relegation zone - with some of the teams within the bottom four possessing one or two games in hand on them - they could leapfrog Charlton all the way into 13th position by securing another home win on Saturday.
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Charlton will make their trip to the Midlands devoid of any confidence, having claimed just one point from their last five matches. Michael Appleton's side were marginally beaten 2-1 by promotion-chasing Peterborough United at The Valley last weekend.
Ephron Mason-Clark's brace either side of Alfie May's strike ultimately proved enough for Posh to move into the automatic promotion spots, leaving Charlton in the bottom half of the table. The Addicks are one of a cluster of teams with their eyes now set on what is occurring below them in the table rather than any aspirations of competing in the Championship next season.
Given matters off the field at Charlton, promotion was always likely to be a tall order for them this season. This is now the former Premier League regulars' fourth successive season competing in League One, having spent three seasons at this level before their brief return to the Championship in the 2019-20 campaign.
However, Appleton will be disappointed by the stark nature of his team's drop-off in form in recent weeks. The former Blackpool boss began with three wins and three draws after being appointed in September, but he will already be building for next season, with remaining in the division now the ultimate priority for his side.
Team News
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Burton will be without Cole Stockton, who has joined Barrow in League Two on loan in recent days. The 29-year-old also reportedly attracted attention from Burton's forthcoming opponents Charlton, plus Stevenage Town.
Sam Hughes is likely to remain sidelined through injury. Having performed so well when losing to Derby on Monday, Paterson's only change may be to bring in Hugill up front in place of Beryly Lubala.
Charlton, meanwhile, may travel without Michael Hector and Corey Blackett-Taylor. Both players were absent from the defeat to Peterborough due to injury and are unlikely to recover in time for this fixture.
Tyreeq Bakinson made his debut against Posh after joining on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, but Appleton will have to make at least one change as Chem Campbell has returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers having had his loan deal cut short. Conor Coventry could displace him having appeared from the bench last time out.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Moon, Brayford, Sweeney; Caprice, Powell, Oshilaja, Seddon; Bennett, Gilligan; Hugill
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:
Maynard-Brewer; Jones, Ness, Thomas; Watson, Dobson, Bakinson, Coventry, Edun; T Campbell, May
We say: Burton Albion 1-1 Charlton Athletic
There is little doubt that Charlton possess more individual talent, particularly in offensive areas, but their confidence levels are likely to be low having lost four of their last five league games. Burton are not in great form themselves, but they have remained consistent at home and are fighting to impress their new manager.
As such, we expect the hosts to avoid defeat as a worst case scenario, but Charlton should have enough firepower to get something out of the game. A score draw feels the likeliest outcome.
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Top tip
Brett Curtis
