THE CHALKBOARD

THE KEY to Burton’s approach is their high energy pressing game.

Employing a 4-2-3-1 formation they will look to fill the midfield and stop Town playing from the back.

The two holding midfielders, Robbie Weir and Calum Butcher, try to break up play and feed the attacking midfielders.

The Brewers' success as an attacking force will depend a lot on link between Mark Duffy and striker Stuart Beavon.

The frontman will look to hold the ball up and play it into his supporting cast, of which Duffy is the central figure.

The wider players will look to cut in from either side.

Burton will try and play on the floor but they are tactically flexible and Beavon’s physicality also means they can go long if the situation dictates.

Swindon Advertiser:

Stuart Beavon

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

MAN IN FORM - ROBBIE WEIR

CENTRAL midfielder Robbie Weir rarely has a poor game, which is crucial because Burton rely heavily on his ability to control the midfield.

John Moursinho is the captain, but Weir is a leader on the field and deputises when the centre half is absent.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink trusts the 26-year-old to organise the midfield and break up the opposition’s play.

Weir is not flash and rarely attempts expansive distribution, choosing instead to keep things simple.

Instead his metronomic presence allows Burton’s more creative players to express themselves, safe in the knowledge they have Weir to back them up.

Under previous boss Gary Rowett, the former Tranmere man was more of a box-to-box midfielder but since Hasselbaink put him into a deeper position he has thrived.

If Town can bypass Weir they will greatly improve their chance of success.

Swindon Advertiser:

Robbie Weir

TREATMENT ROOM

BURTON keeper Jon McLaughlin was their biggest doubt for the trip to Wiltshire after he limped out of the win over Rochdale with a dead leg.

The Scottish stopper did not train on Monday, but his recovery has increased in pace over the course of the week and McLaughlin now looks set for an immediate return.

Zeli Ismail, the exciting winger on loan from Wolves, is the biggest miss for the first team.

The 21-year-old is considered an exciting prospect at Molineux and he had a spell on loan at the Pirelli last season.

His return for second spell was met with excitement, but his proneness to injury is stunting his progression.

The latest knock to keep him out of the side is a knee injury which he picked up in pre-season.

Another absentee for Burton is Darius Charles, who is set to spend a few more weeks out having broken his leg playing for Stevenage last season.

Kelvyn Maynard is unlikely to play this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Swindon Advertiser:

Jon McLaughlin

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Tue, August 25

LEAGUE CUP

2-1 DEEFAT V MIDDLESBROUGH (H)

Sat, Aug 29

SKYBET LEAGUE 1
1-0 WIN V 
SHREWSBURY (A)

Tue, Sep 1
JPT R1
0-0 DRAW (LOST ON PENS) V WALSALL (A)

Sat, Sep 6 
SKYBET LEAGUE 1
2-1 DEFEAT V 
COVENTRY (H)

Sat, Sep 12
SKYBET LEAGUE 1
1-0 WIN V 
ROCHDALE (H)

STUART BEAVON: 3
ABDENASSER EL KHAYATI: 3
LUCAS AKINS: 1

TOM NAYLOR: 2Y
CALUM BUTCHER: 2Y
TIMMY THIELE: 1Y