Reynoldstalksfooty

In a High-Stakes Clash at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion face Reading in a season defining match in their bid to stay up in League One.

The Brewers are just two points above the relegation places and a win will help boost their chances of survival.

Burton have struggled for form in this second half of the season, as they have only won one in their last twelve, with the team falling from 18th place to 20th just above the relegation zone.

On Tuesday, the Brewers were beaten by relegation rivals Cheltenham who are now right over their shoulders.

The standout player on the night for the team was 27-year-old centre back Sam Hughes who was one of the key reasons Burton stayed up last year.

He won the club player of the year award in the 2022/2023 season and has continued to excel this season alongside fellow center back partner Ryan Sweeney who joined in the summer from Dundee.

Burton’s defensive record could be key to staying up as they have kept nine clean sheets this season and concede 1.4 goals per game which is lower than or equal to the teams around them in the relegation battle.

The underlying problem for the team has been their attacking output, with their top scorer this season Beryl Lubala leaving in January for league rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

The Brewers rank 23rd in the league for goals per match and this is something that will need to improve if they are to take all three points on Saturday against an inform Reading side who have already secured their own safety.

Reading have been in good form recently, only losing one out of their last six fixtures with Reading midfielder Lewis Wing scoring four goals for his team.

He joined the Royals last summer and has had a huge impact on Reading’s season providing 17 goals and assists.

The match holds huge significance for Burton Albion and defeat against Reading could be catastrophic for their fight to stay in the division.