City will be hoping to build on the Boxing Day triumph at Birmingham City whereas Burton are looking to end a run of eight successive defeats at home

Here’s our guide to what Daniel Farke’s men can expect on Saturday:

Key players
Since Burton’s promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history in 2016, their general play has been built on being solid at the back.

This season has been no exception for Nigel Clough’s side and their wealth of experience in defence will be vital if they are to avoid relegation for the second season in a row.

Jake Buxton, Kyle MacFadzean and Ben Turner have been crucial at the back for Burton this year, helping the Brewers keep five clean sheets so far including one at Carrow Road back in September.

On average, Buxton and Turner (pictured) make over seven clearances per game and McFadzean makes around five per match.

Clough also has John Brayford, Tom Flanagan, Tom Naylor and Stephen Warnock to rely on as defensive options.

Burton may be the second lowest scorers in the division with just 17 goals, but forward players Lloyd Dyer, Lucas Akins and Marvin Sordell will provide the main threat to City’s backline at the weekend.

Form guide
Burton have struggled at home of late, having lost each of their last eight matches in front of their own supporters.

Their last victory at the Pirelli Stadium came on September 16 with a 2-1 triumph against Fulham.

Since then, at home they’ve lost to Aston Villa, Wolves, Ipswich, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Preston and, most recently, Leeds United on Boxing Day.

Tom Naylor gave the Brewers the lead in the first-half but two goals in three minutes from Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe left Clough and his side still waiting for their unwanted run to end.

They’ve had much more joy on the road this season, winning their last two away fixtures at Bolton and Reading.

Previous meeting
The two sides last met in September with City, much like then, looking to build on a victory over Birmingham.

After an quiet first half, Jamie Allen had an early second-half effort at the back post blocked on the line by Ivo Pinto.

Burton goalkeeper Stephen Bywater then made two crucial saves, foiling Wes Hoolahan before denying Josh Murphy after the winger raced clear.

Murphy went closest to winning it late on, hitting the outside of the post, but Burton held on for their first point away from home of the season.

Squad list
Goalkeepers: Steven Bywater, Connor Ripley, Harry Campbell

Defenders: John Brayford, Stephen Warnock, Kyle MacFadzean, Ben Turner, Tom Flanagan, Tom Naylor, Jake Buxton, Shaun Barker

Midfielders: Jamie Allen, Luke Murphy, Matthew Lund, Lloyd Dyer, Will Miller, Matthew Palmer, Hope Akpan,

Forwards: Sean Scannell, Lucas Akins, Luke Varney, Marvin Sordell, Joe Mason, Joe Sbarra, Liam Boyce

Coral are offering odds of 21/20 for a City victory on Saturday. To make your bet, click HERE.

In Focus: Burton Albion

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