Ahead of today’s match at Sincil Bank versus Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium in League One, which will be refereed by Jeremy Simpson, I have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Jack from BrewersTV for answering the questions!
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time Burton Albion hosted Lincoln City? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page or simply CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)!
Match Thread: Burton Albion v Lincoln City
How long have you supported
I’ve supported Burton for around eleven years and had a season ticket for the last nine.
What were and now are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
I think at the start of the season I would have been happy with a comfortable mid-table finish, however after the last few months, I think avoiding relegation should be the main hope.
What are your views on your manager?
I think it’s hard to judge as he’s only had a couple of games. He comes across very well to the supporters when speaking in interviews etc, but we are still yet to see a significant improvement to the style of play on the pitch. Time will tell.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Burton are certainly happening to let the opposing team have the majority of the ball. Most attacks will come from long direct balls, as seems only emphasised by the recent signings of some huge strikers, or set pieces. Throw-ins, deep free kicks and corners will all get lumped straight into the box.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Max Crocombe, Burton’s keeper has been easily the best player in the team this season. He had a good game in the reverse fixture, and is an incredible shot-stopper – if Burton get three points he will undoubtedly be key to that. In the future, Will Tamen has shown promising signs. A big centre-half who managed to impress on his debut despite a loss against Peterborough. He has recently gone out on loan, and hopefully will continue his positive development.
Random fact about your Club?
The Stig, well known for BBC’s Top Gear, is a Burton fan.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Burton Albion?
I think Sunderland 1-2 Burton Albion was the match that really summed up what Burton achieved in their Championship years. 1-0 down, and, in the context relegated, the Brewers came back with two 90+ minute goals to not only keep Burton up to fight another day but also relegate Sunderland in the process. I have never seen scenes like it in an away end before, or since.
A least favourite that springs to mind is out 5-0 drubbing away at Morecambe on New Year’s Day last season. With what can at best be described as a sore head, travelling over six hours to watch Burton fail to have a shot on target against then bottom-of-the-league Morecambe wasn’t much fun, although the night out in Morecambe that proceeded was much better than the football.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top six and which do you think will finish in the bottom four?
I think the top six will be, in order, Bolton, Peterborough,, Portsmouth, Oxford, Derby, and Barnsley. The bottom four will be; Fleetwood, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Reading – I can’t see much changing towards the bottom of the league.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Lincoln have had a comparable story to Burton, rising up the leagues quickly. Their iconic FA Cup run has certainly framed the club into what it is today.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your team, who would it be and why?
Ethan Erhahon. He comes across as a very solid defensive midfielder who can also pass well further up the pitch. It’s an area where Burton could also do with some quality and depth.
What is your prediction for this match?
If Burton’s last few games can be anything to go by, it will be a low-quality, scrappy affair. Either side could nick a goal, but unfortunately, it will probably end goalless.
What are your views on your January transfer business?
Interesting. Burton have brought a fair few players in, but predominantly loans for players who have little to no experience in men’s football. We have added some depth, but whether the quality will shine through in the coming weeks is still to be seen.
"We are still yet to see a significant improvement to the style of play on the pitch." (opinion):https://t.co/zxORig0fms
Thank you to Jack from @BrewersTV for answering the questions!#BAFC #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 3, 2024
