The Pirelli and iPro stadiums may only be 25 minutes apart but these clubs have been a long distance from each other in footballing terms until now. Burton were playing non-league whilst Derby were in the Premiership in 2007/08 but they will come against each other as equals on Friday night.
Nigel Clough’s Burton side were on the end of a 5-0 home thrashing by Premier League Liverpool in the League Cup the other night but have otherwise adjusted well to their first season in England’s second tier.
The Brewers may currently be sitting in 18th position but at least they are outside of the relegation places.
Most of Burton’s opening fixtures of this campaign are being played at the Pirelli Stadium so it is vital that they take advantage of this sequence of home games.
Derby County may have appointed an experienced Championship winning manager in Nigel Pearson this summer but it has not been a good start to the season for the Rams.
Although they sit above their Friday night opponents in the table, 16th place is not good enough for a club of Derby’s stature. Additionally they could only beat League Two Carlisle at home in the League Cup after a lengthy penalty shoot-out.
Perhaps a break from playing at home, where the Rams are still yet to win this season, will take the pressure off somewhat and give them a bit more confidence.
Burton are good going forward but look quite vulnerable at the back so my advice would be to go for Both Teams to Score at around Evens.
Another one I would go for is Burton to score last. The Brewers tend to score very late goals and have scored last in their last three league matches. 7/5 on this represents good value.
See more tips here.