Derek Adams men head to Burton Albion in a clash that is being touted as an all-important fixture for both sides to pull themselves out of the relegation zone. Burton are 23rd in the table and have as a result sacked former Chelsea striker and full-time Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink in early September.
Current Form
Burton Albion have picked up just 2 wins and 2 draws in the 13 league games they have played this season. The poor early form has seen them placed alongside Morecambe as one of the four teams who will fail to fight relegation from League One this season. One point of note is that they have picked up 7 of their current 8 points following the appointment of Tunisian manager Dino Maamria. The biggest issue with Hasselbaink’s tenure, apart from his preference towards punditry than management, was the inconsistency within his set-up.
The Dutch boss flipped between several formations within the first 7 games of the campaign; each one provided no relief for Burton Albion and were a very clear attempt for Jimmy to desperately hold onto his job. This was, in contrast, appears to be the biggest uniting factor under Maamria. He has stuck with either a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-2-1 which has given Burton 2 wins and a draw in his first 6 games including vital wins against Exeter City and Forest Green Rovers.
Set-Up
Given the recent ‘new-manager-bounce' that is in motion currently at Burton Albion, they have taken great confidence with the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 systems that have provided a stark upturn in form. It is expected that Dino Maamria will stick with the 4-2-3-1 that was deployed against Peterborough United last weekend and earned the Brewers a 1-1 draw. Burton Albion look to play with possession through the thirds utilising the quality out wide to create chances. This coming specifically from left-winger Joe Powell and right back John Brayford. The pair have been influential for the side and will be two players Shrimps fans will have to keep an eye on.
Players to Watch
Victor Adeboyejo
The forward joined Burton Albion from Barnsley on a permanent move back in the summer and since his arrival has bagged 6 goals and an assist in just 11 starts, cementing himself as the Brewers’ top scorer so far this season. His most notable performance so far this campaign was in Burton Albion’s 3-2 win over Forest Green Rovers in which Adeboyejo bagged a hattrick including a 92nd minute winner.
Sam Hughes
Following 2 loan spells at Burton, the side decided to sign the centre back on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old has started in 12 of the 13 league games this season and has proven himself to be an important asset for Maamria’s men. Burton Albion’s only clean sheet came against Exeter City where Hughes received an 8.2 rating for his performance.
Key Battle
Liam Shaw put in a stellar performance in the anchor of midfield against second in the table Ipswich. Given his current form, he will be put to the test against attacking-midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn. The Burton man has provided 4 goals for the Brewers this season and his goal-scoring form does not look like slowing down soon. Therefore, Shaw will have to be on the top of his game if Morecambe are to keep a clean sheet this weekend and come out on top against a fellow relegation-threatened side.
My Prediction
The game will be highly intense as both teams will see it as an opportunity to move themselves up the table against a considerably weakened opponent. This is why I am predicting Morecambe to come out on top with a narrow 2-1 win away at the Pirelli Stadium.
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