Burton host Rochdale with both sides looking to kick start their seasons

Burton Albion host Rochdale in League One on Tuesday night with both sides occupying spaces in the relegation zone of the division.

Both with four points in five games, the two sides will be keen to kick start their respective campaigns with a win at the Pirelli Stadium, but what has led to slow starts for both outfits?

Burton’s main issue this season so far is simple; the defence. In five league games, the Brewers have let in 14 goals, amounting to almost three per game.

Back-to-back 4-2 defeats to Swindon and Portsmouth respectively showed that Jake Buxton’s side can score goals, scoring the joint-ninth most goals in the third tier so far with eight. Their main issue is at the back.

The issue for Rochdale meanwhile is more at the other end of the pitch, with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side scoring just four goals thus far, making them the league’s joint-bottom scorers.

In fairness, the Dale weren’t blessed with a kind fixture list, having to play against Portsmouth, Ipswich and Hull respectively in their opening five league games, losing 3-0 to the Tigers last time out. 

Even playing Swindon Town was likely to be tricky after being promoted as League Two winners.

It could be argued that seeing League One declared null and void helped Rochdale last season with the club just four points off of the relegation zone with ten games left to play when the league was suspended. 

As for Burton, a comfortable 12th placed finish last campaign may prove beyond their capabilities this time around.

Both sides need to get their seasons up and running and will see Tuesday’s game as the ideal opportunity.

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