Burton Albion tasked with spoiling Sunderland’s party

The last week has been nothing short of a joyous whirlwind for Sunderland supporters who have been able to witness a clear progression within their club both on and off the pitch. 

Last Saturday, the Black Cats thrashed fellow play-off hopefuls Doncaster Rovers in a convincing 4-1 win, distinctly signalling their intent to return to the Championship at the third time of asking, now hovering around that illusive top six merely waiting to pounce.

On Wednesday, Lee Johnson’s men then booked their place at Wembley, triumphing on penalties over Lincoln City in the Papa John’s Trophy semi-final. They’ll be determined to reverse their torrid fortune in the capital and stringing together a winning run would almost certainly be a confidence booster heading into the final. 

The icing on the cake was then applied on Thursday afternoon as a new age for the club was announced. It was revealed that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus had acquired a controlling interest in the Tyne and Wear outfit, becoming the new Chairman with immediate effect, stating: “Today marks the start of an exciting chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history,” – put it this way, morale is high. 

Despite all of the above, the northerners are not the only ones currently donning a smile on their face. Thanks to the impressive turnaround in form at Burton Albion since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s reinstatement as manager on New Year’s Day, the Brewers’ target of survival is now much more achievable.

Although still bottom of the pile, Burton have improved massively in recent weeks. Three wins in their last four makes good reading and makes for even better reading when you include the fact that they have only conceded once in that period. 

Based on the last five matches, Hasselbaink’s Brewers are actually 10th in the form table. They have put their Jake Buxton days behind them and dusted themselves off. They now look a transformed team in League One, able to contest with any side they face which was proved by their 1-0 victory over promotion chasing Hull City just two weeks ago.

Sunderland are certainly favourites heading into this encounter, but you can never write the Brewers off as they have proved time and time again in recent years. The game ended all square in the reverse fixture between the two clubs, however, both sides will be desperate for a win on this occasion as they look to manifest their own fortune at opposite ends of the table.

Team News

The home side will be relieved to have no fresh injury concerns. 

Burton have their whole squad to choose from heading into Saturday afternoon’s clash and it seems unlikely that Hasselbaink will alter his side too much following two consecutive wins in a row.

Sunderland, on the other hand, have a handful of defenders out of action. Former Brewer Tom Flanagan alongside Jordan Willis and Denver Hume are set to miss out for the away side.

Bailey Wright and Josh Scowen are also doubts for the Black Cats, both suffering knocks and were forced to come off in their last fixture.

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