It’s our first trip on the road of the new campaign as Micky Mellon’s side look to get off the mark after last weekend’s defeat with a more positive outcome away at Mansfield Town.
It was a disappointing first result of the season, but as new signings begin to gel, Micky will be hoping to build some early momentum as soon as possible.
Looking at Mansfield, they got their 22/23 campaign underway with an away defeat to Salford City after losing 2-0 at the Peninsula Stadium.
Goals from Callum Hendry and Brandon Thomas-Asante sealed the opening day victory over the Stags leaving both teams looking for their first respective wins on Saturday afternoon.
Team News:
Micky Mellon has reported that he will have the same group of players to pick from as last week with Davies, Morris, Mumbongo and Turnbull still out of action.
One to watch: Lucas Akins
A well-known figure in the EFL, Akins is well experienced after ending an eight-year spell with Burton back in January of last season.
Born in West Yorkshire, Akins began his career with Huddersfield Town and made five first-team appearances before moving to Hamilton Academical.
But the short stint in Scotland ended after two years with the winger who started out as a striker moving to Prenton Park in 2010. He made over 70 appearances in-front of the Super White Army before moving to last weekends opponents Stevenage.
And after two years at Stevenage, he made his move to Burton Albion where he wrote his name in the Brewers’ history books repeatedly.
Holding the record for Burton Albion’s most appearances with 305 and most goals scored with 65 in the EFL, Akins enjoyed some very successful years over at the Pirelli Stadium.
But after eight-years, Akins left the Brewers to pursue a move to Mansfield to work with former Burton manager Nigel Clough.
Feature in all but three games since arriving from Burton, Akins was an ever-present in the Mansfield side that fell just short in last season’s play-off final after they were defeated by Port Vale under the Wembley arch.
Manager: Nigel Clough
Another experience figure within the top four tiers of English football, Nigel Clough will be desperate to see his Mansfield side go one step further this season after falling at the final hurdle last campaign.
Before taking over the Stags, Clough has managed at the likes of Derby County, Sheffield United and Burton.
He’s had a couple of spells with Burton after first getting them promoted from the Northern Premier League in his fourth season in charge after taking over in 1998.
Clough stayed with Burton and was set to lead them to the football league before leaving to take up the opportunity at Derby County, leaving his Burton side who was later promoted despite the managerial change.
After a two-year spell with Sheffield United, Clough returned to Burton for another five campaigns before taking over at Mansfield Town in November 2020.
After his first full season in charge led to a play-off final defeat, Clough will be hoping his side can make it one step further this campaign and get into the third tier of English football.
Match Coverage:
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Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.