Burton Albion play host to Blackpool on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would extend their remarkable upturn in fortunes in League One.
At a time when the Brewers sit in 21st place in the standings, the visitors occupy 13th spot after their own strong run of form.
Match preview
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When Gary Bowyer failed to instigate an immediate change in results at Burton, the club's supporters would have been starting to accept that there was an inevitability about relegation.
However, Burton have incredibly accumulated 11 points from their last five matches having previously only collected 14 points from their previous 24 games.
Victories have been recorded over Wigan Athletic, Rotherham United and Reading, with draws coming at Crawley Town and Barnsley.
Although Burton remain five points adrift of safety, they have emerged as one of the form teams in the division and now sit just seven points behind 17th position.
Despite remaining with the worst home record in the division, seven of their 12 points at the Pirelli Stadium have been collected from the most recent four games.
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As for Blackpool, Steve Bruce deserves credit for their sustained run of form, regardless of remaining as outsiders for a playoff place.
Their only defeat in 12 league games came by a 2-1 scoreline at Wrexham, the Tangerines having since responded with a seven-match unbeaten run.
That said, five of those contests have ended in draws, and you have to go back to the end of September for their last victory at Bloomfield Road.
On the flip side, Blackpool possess the fourth-best away record in the division, picking up 24 points from their 16 away games on their travels.
Team News
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James Jones and Fabio Tavares may be considered for their first Burton starts after their recent moves.
Kyran Lofthouse has also arrived from Barnsley, but it remains possible that Bowyer could decide to select the same side that started the goalless draw at Barnsley.
Meanwhile, Sam Silvera and Niall Ennis are pushing for opportunities in the Blackpool XI after scoring as substitute versus Charlton Athletic.
Rob Apter and Ashley Fletcher could be the players to drop out if Bruce opts to make alterations, CJ Hamilton potentially switching to the opposite flank.
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Vancooten, Sweeney, Armer; Godwin-Malife, Webster, Chauke, McKiernan, Dodgson; Bodvarsson; Burrell
Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Tyrer; Offiah, Casey, Baggott, Husband; Hamilton, Morgan, Carey, Silvera; Ennis, Bloxham
We say: Burton Albion 2-1 Blackpool
With this fixture between two of the in-form teams in the division, we expect an entertaining affair to unfold at the Pirelli Stadium. Both teams will likely show a proactiveness to secure all three points, yet we feel Burton's improving results on familiar territory will stand them in good stead.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
