Burton Albion's less dramatic season, why the first goal at Peterborough United will be crucial, plus form guide, past matches, ref watch and big match odds
Burton Albion’s season has lacked the drama of their 2024-25 campaign, but League One survival should again be seen as a great achievement, it if happens.
Twelve months ago ‘The Brewers’ were putting the finishing touches to a remarkable escape from relegation danger. They were bottom of the League One table and 11 points from safety late in January yet defied odds of 100-1 by avoiding the drop with two games to spare.
It was dubbed the ‘miracle on grass’ and it annoyed many that veteran boss Gary Bowyer didn’t win the divisional ‘manager of the season’ award. Bowyer is still there and Burton are still struggling against the threat of relegation, but they start Sunday’s game at Peterborough United a healthy four points above the bottom four with a big game at home to fourth-bottom Exeter to follow the trip to London Road.
For context Burton are recognised as the smallest club in the division. Their average home gate this season is 3,916, the lowest in League One.
FORM GUIDE The first goal will be crucial on Sunday given the record of the two teams after they’ve fallen behind. Posh have picked up just six points from losing positions all season, while Burton have collected just five. They are the worst two records in the Football League. Neither team has won a game after falling behind all season.
Burton have been grinding their way to safety in recent weeks. They’ve won three and draw two of their last seven matches and won a big game at home to fellow strugglers AFC Wimbledon 1-0 last time out. Burton have won and lost nine of their 21 away games this season. They won 1-0 at Cardiff City at the end of September.
DANGER MEN
Striker Jake Beesley has enjoyed a strong season in front of goal. He’s scored 13 League One goals, the same number as Posh centre forward Harry Leonard, although the latter has started 12 fewer games.
Burton’s best player is midfielder Charlie Webster who is back after missing a large chunk of the season through injury. Webster started his career at Chelsea.
PAST MATCHES
Posh and Burton have only met at London Road in Football League matches on seven occasions. It’s 3-2 on wins to the home side, although Burton, who were rock bottom at the time, won this fixture 1-0 last season on the night Kwame Poku picked up his serious hamstring injury.
Posh last won this match-up 4-0 in November, 2023 with goals from Joel Randall, Ephron Mason-Clark, Poku and a Cole Stockton own goal.
REF WATCH
Steven Copeland will referee Posh for the first time on Sunday. He’s been mostly reffing League Two and National League games this season, issuing 73 yellow cards and two red cards.
BIG MATCH ODDS
Burton are favourites to win at London Road on Sunday with Sky Bet. It’s 11-8 for the visitors to win and 29-20 for Posh to get the three points with the draw chalked up at 5-2.