Burton Albion look to pick up their first victory in over two months

With pressure mounting on Jake Buxton, Burton are in massive need of a victory against Northampton Town this weekend.

The Brewers haven’t won a game in the league for over two months now, and with games coming thick and fast what better time to get one against a Northampton side who aren’t full of confidence themselves either.  

As Buxton is well respected by lots of people in and around the club having spent numerous years with the club whether that be playing or now most recently as player-manager, the last thing the Brewers would want to do is part ways with him. If the Nottinghamshire local wants this fairytale to continue, a result this weekend is vital.  

The Cobblers only find themselves four points above Burton, but the difference is they have actually recently won a game, and the home side are without a victory in 13 games across all competitions.  

Maybe management has come too quickly for the Derby County legend, even though so many fans of both Burton and the Rams want it to work out for him. However, at only 35 Buxton has lots of time to improve and make a statement in the managerial field.  

With the absence of 12 first team players in last week’s game due to Covid-19 complications, Burton will be hoping to be a little more confident with the introduction of five subs starting from Saturday’s game this will give both teams the opportunity to intervene if necessary and make multiple subs.   

Buxton’s men are without talented youngster Sam Hughes currently on loan from Leicester after the 23-year-old got sent off after two yellow cards in 20 minutes last week against Hull, and in all honesty without that dismissal, the game could have easily gone in Burton’s favour.  

Burton looked toothless up front last week against Hull City, but in fairness two of their main attacking threats Kane Hemmings and Charlie Vernam missed out due to injury. 

This left the young Niall Ennis up front for the Yellows, which didn’t really work as he struggled against Hull’s experienced defence. Ennis has potential as he has a strong physical presence and if Burton play to his strengths, he could prove a good signing on loan from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

Jake Buxton can also be happy they have a good goalkeeper in-between the sticks, just in need of some extra support from his defenders. Ben Garratt was the reason last week’s game wasn’t double figures and earned himself a place in the EFL Team of the Week, despite a 2-0 defeat. Also, that was the new signing’s third appearance.  

Newly promoted Northampton come into this fixture off the back of a penalty shootout win against Stevenage in the Papa John’s Trophy, a boost for them as this gives them faith that they can progress to the next round of the competition. 

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