Burton Albion host play-off hopefuls Lincoln City in Sky Bet League One clash

Burton Albion have more or less confirmed their survival for another season but for Lincoln City, they will be using this game to cement their spot in the play-off places.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side have been on a phenomenal rise over the past few months since the Dutchman came in which has seen the club climb out from an almost impossible position to find themselves 12 points clear of the bottom four and on the brink of safety. This game for them will be one to help give them some momentum and belief going into next season.

For Lincoln, the story is a little different, Michael Appleton’s side have not yet confirmed a play-off place, and having been up the top end of the table for the majority of the season, it would be a travesty for the club if they do not at least make the play-offs.

Team news

Hasselbaink will likely go with a similar side to that which drew with Plymouth Argyle at the weekend with only a couple of changes.

Midfielder Joe Powell has performed well over recent weeks and could well find himself back in the starting XI.

For Lincoln, they will be without striker Tom Hopper who is nursing a hamstring injury, and midfielder Liam Bridcutt who has been out of action for the last month.

Midfielder Jorge Gran may return to the fold after taking part in more training sessions recently.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:

Before the match against Plymouth at the weekend Hasselbaink said the job was not done and after a point at the weekend, he may well be echoing this statement going into Tuesday night’s game…

“We want the mentality in the club that we always want to win, we want to give 100 per cent whatever situation we are in,” Hasselbaink told the Burton Albion website.

“The team is a pleasure to manage, and I give the players a lot of credit. Things are going well but we don’t get carried away.

“We have turned it around very quickly. The players have really listened, believed and worked hard but it’s not finished yet and we still have matches to play and at the end of the season we will look, assess and see how we have really done.

“We keep on looking at things we can do better as it’s still a work in progress.”

Michael Appleton:

“I know we’ve had a few challenging games and a few challenging moments this season but I think tomorrow night may top it off,” Appleton told Lincolnshire Live.

“The one who may have a chance tomorrow, and it’ll probably come down to him, is Jorge Grant. He’s done a couple of extra training sessions compared to those [injured]lads and may be involved.

“But even if he is involved, it’ll be for a very limited time.”

Head-to-head

Lincoln have won three of the previous five meetings between the sides.

Michael Appleton’s side won the reverse fixture 5-1 at Sincil Bank.

Burton Albion last beat Lincoln in 2011, a 3-1 victory at the Pirelli Stadium.

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