Next Up: Exeter City v Burton Albion

Following another superb win on the road at Accrington, it’s now just one defeat in thirteen league matches for City as they welcome Burton Albion to the Park for a fixture that has been brought forward due to both sides exiting the FA Cup. The current buzz around the club right now has translated into a magnificent effort from the supporters who will be sponsoring the match and filling up the hospitality areas, and it’s hoped this will translate into yet another superlative performance on the pitch against fancied opposition. Depending on injuries Paul Tisdale may not wish to tinker too much with the starting XI, Tom Nichols having cemented his place up front with six goals in his last five league matches, and it may be that Tisdale goes again with three up front utilising Graham Cummins and returning loanee Alex Nicholls. Ryan Harley may have to be content with a place on the bench again, while it may be that Saturday is too soon for a return to action for captain Scot Bennett.

When Burton lost manager Gary Rowett to Birmingham last month many predicted the Burton bubble may burst, especially when the Brewers sprung a surprise in appointing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as their new boss. So far so good though, although he suffered his first defeat at Shrewsbury on Saturday having led his side to wins in his first two matches against fellow high-fliers Luton and Wycombe. The goals have been shared around so far with top scorer Alex MacDonald having notched five to be just ahead of Jacob Blyth and Lucas Akins on four each. Stuart Beavon hasn’t yet got going having scored just twice so far, but he remains a threat, while Shane Cansdell-Sheriff at the back is always a difficult opponent and Adam McGurk will need to be watched.

With this match having been brought forward to spare City a blank Saturday and hopefully encourage a bigger crowd than might otherwise have attended on a Tuesday night, Burton are the first opponents that City have already faced this season. Back in August when City were rubbish, it was Beavon who scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the hosts. The corresponding fixture last season also finished 1-0 to Burton in a match that City dominated only to fall to an 88th minute goal from Phil Edwards. It’s the Brewers who hold the overall head-to-head lead with eight wins to City’s five (two draws).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/12/04/match-officials-exeter-city-v-burton-albion/

Ground Guide (to St James Park): http://www.exeweb.com/2012/05/29/the-things-you-need-to-know-st-james-park-exeter/

Last season:

Last season’s match details – http://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?tb_match=244