Preview: Burton Albion vs. Cambridge United

Sports Mole previews Monday’s League One clash between Burton Albion and Cambridge United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Burton Albion will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games when they host Cambridge United at the Pirelli Stadium on Monday night.

The hosts are now up to 20th place, after their recent uptick in form, while the visitors are currently sitting in 14th place.

Match preview

Burton made a very slow start to the campaign, failing to win any of their opening eight games in all competitions, which left them in the relegation zone, however they have started to make serious improvements over the past few weeks.

The Brewers are now on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, collecting eight points from their last four games, which means they are now out of the bottom four, two points clear of 21st-placed Fleetwood Town.

Last time out, Dino Maamria’s side picked up their first home league win of the season, defeating Wigan Athletic 2-1 courtesy of a second-half comeback led by Joe Powell, with the midfielder bagging a brace.

Burton Albion have also improved their record in front of goal as of late, having scored six goals in their past four games, so they should head into Monday’s game full of confidence, coming up against a side that have not been in the best of form.

Cambridge United have failed to pick up a win in their last five matches in all competitions, but they are still six points clear of the relegation zone, after a decent start to the campaign.

The U’s won three of their opening four games, keeping three clean sheets in the process, but they did not look solid at the back in their last match, losing 4-0 at home against Barnsley.

Mark Bonner’s side had eight shots on goal against the Tykes, one more than their opponents, however they were not clinical enough in front of goal, meaning they have now won just one of their last six League One games.

If Cambridge are to get anything from Monday’s game, there will need to be a much-improved defensive performance, but they are proved they are up to the task in that regard during their last away trip, picking up a 0-0 draw at Derby County.

Burton Albion League One form:

Burton Albion form (all competitions):

Cambridge United League One form:

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Burton Albion have little reason to tinker too much with the side that came out on top against Wigan Athletic last time out, with Powell set to keep his place in midfield, having scored three goals in his last four games.

However, Maamria will be forced into a change in attack, as Beryly Lubala was shown a red card in the last match, meaning Josh Walker could come into the side.

A few changes may be in order for Cambridge, given that they lost 4-0 against Barnsley in their last match, and Alfie May could replace Gassan Ahadme at striker, as the Moroccan is without a goal in his last nine games.

Jack Lankester has not been at his best recently, scoring one goal in 10 League One games, and Fejiri Okenabihrie could be brought into the side to partner May.

Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Hamer, Hughes, Sweeney, Seddon; Oshilaja, Powell, Helm, Baah; Gordon, Lubala

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Mannion; Okedina, Bennett, Morrison, Andrew; Digby, Thomas, Gordon, Brophy; Okenabirhie, May

We say: Burton Albion 1-1 Cambridge United

Burton Albion have looked a much-improved side in recent weeks, but Cambridge United have picked up some decent results this season, drawing at Derby County in their last away match.

As such, we expect the spoils to be shared this weekend, in what is likely to be a closely-contested game.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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