Four straight victories for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Burton Albion has seen them mood five points clear at the top of League Two. There was a lot of debate around the appointment of the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker when previous manager Gary Rowett departed for Birmingham earlier in the season. Having never managed in England before many felt it was a big risk and it could upset the club’s promotion chances. Those fears look to have been put to bed as they have powered clear of the chasing pack in recent weeks. They have a nine point cushion over fourth placed Bury which gives them some comfort as they push for automatic promotion (top three in this league) and reach the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.
As with League One and the Championship, the battle for the play-offs in this division is going to go right to the final week. At this point in time it looks as though five clubs are competing for the final three positions in the top seven. One of those clubs who sit just outside those positions is Stevenage, who are one point adrift of the play-off zone. Following relegation from League One last season, and very poor finish to that campaign where they won just one of their last 13 games, it was uncertain who they would cope back at this level. Despite a shaky start to the season they have responded well to that relegation and hold a very realistic chance of giving themselves a shot of bouncing back at the first time of asking.
A real strength of Burton throughout this season has been their form at home. Only second placed Shrewsbury have picked up more points at home and they head into this fixture on the back of one defeat in their last 11 at the Pirelli Stadium, winning nine of those and conceding only three goals during that spell. It has been a crucial run of form as they have defeated the likes of Bury, Southend and Shrewsbury – all teams who are challenging them for automatic promotion. With second placed Wycombe to visit after Stevenage, a win on Monday would be a massive boost heading into that crunch fixture.
Having went on a run of four wins in five games in February and the beginning of March which got themselves on the tail of the top seven, Graham Westley’s men will be very disappointed having failed to win any of their last three. Two away draws followed by a surprising loss at home to Dagenham last weekend has seen them lose ground on the others. Something that should be seen as a positive for them, however, is their final eight games. Although they have to travel to the current league leaders, they do not have to play anybody higher than seventh after that.
The home side can take a massive step towards not only securing automatic promotion, but also the league title. They will be roared on by an expectant and enthusiastic support in a match that will be screened live on Sky. It won’t be easy for them however as Stevenage are desperate for points to boost their own chances of promotion. The away team face a very difficult task, though, as Burton are on a great run of form. They are scoring goals for fun and are proving extremely hard for the opposition to break down. I think they are a great bet to come out victorious here.
Burton 21/20 @ Skybet
