Buxton’s Brewers face an uphill battle as they host in-form Charlton Athletic

Burton Albion’s campaign to date has been a sorry one to say the least. Jake Buxton’s men sit bottom of League One having managed just one win from their 13 league fixtures so far.

You’d have to go back to the 19th September to find the Brewers’ last victory, a 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley, courtesy of a late John Brayford strike. Since that date, seven league defeats, a couple of cup exits and a handful of draws have followed, leaving Burton rooted to 24th place, five points adrift of safety.

There is one positive for the Staffordshire side however, his name is Kane Hemmings. The Burton-born striker, signed on a free in the summer, has scored five goals and provided one assist for his new side so far, ensuring that the Brewers do, at least, have a goalscoring threat.

It’s a different story altogether for the Addicks. The foundations for success were always in place following their relegation from the Championship, with key squad members such as Jonny Williams and Ben Amos agreeing contract extensions until the end of the season. Player acquisitions were coupled with manager Lee Bowyer signing a new three-year-deal in January, providing some crucial consistency in what has otherwise been a time of uncertainty for the London club. 

Charlton are sitting pretty in 5th place ahead of their trip to The Pirelli Stadium. Bowyer’s side are four points away from top spot with a game in hand over current league leaders Hull City, meaning there’s extra incentive for the men in red to return home with all three points on Tuesday evening.

The away side will certainly take encouragement from their latest run of form too. They’re currently unbeaten in eight league fixtures dating back to late September, six of which were victories. In fact, Charlton have lost just two games in League One action this season, a stat which no team can better. The Addicks have without doubt started as they mean to go on.

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Burton have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions leading into this fixture, a huge boost for Buxton who’ll be desperate to see his side pick up three points against a resistant Charlton side.

Fortunately for the Addicks, the same can be said for them. Bowyer will have his whole squad to pick from as he goes in search of a ninth league game unbeaten.

Buxton is aware that Burton’s results must improve.

“I have tried to absorb the pressure as much as possible so that players feel the freedom to play.

“I have to stick to my beliefs and I believe the players we brought in during the summer, and the ones I inherited, all want to play the correct way, but ultimately we are not getting results so we have to look at different ways.

“We have to improve, and the players have to do what we are asking them to do better.”

Charlton’s Albie Morgan on the Addicks’ impressive form.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment and so is the team.

“There is a lot to be happy about going into the game on Tuesday. Hopefully we can keep this unbeaten run going.”

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