Clough faces up to tough challenge for lowly Burton
Burton Albion, just outside the Sky Bet Championship drop zone, are wary of the dangers of tomorrow night’s tough trip away to high-flying Bristol City.
Sunderland-born Burton manager Nigel Clough knows his side will need to be at their best to get a positive result at Ashton Gate, against a Robins team unbeaten in all competitions since August 12.
City’s record is impressive, with five wins and five draws in the league, and just one defeat, plus Carabao Cup triumphs against Premier League outfits Stoke and Watford.
“They are probably the form team in the league at the moment, especially at their place, and they are playing with as much confidence as any team in the country,” admitted Clough (pictured).
“We are very mindful of their strengths.
“It’s nice to see (City boss) Lee Johnson doing well, as last season was a little bit dodgy for him and it’s a reward for them for sticking with him.
“He’s very happy with his squad. They had bids in during the transfer window for certain players but were able to keep hold of them.
“They have an extremely good squad now and will be challenging for that top six.
“If you are winning like they are, you can’t wait for the next game and even if it will be 13 days (since their last match, an impressive 3-1 success at Ipswich), they will still have that momentum.”
Clough is mindful of former club Derby County’s convincing 4-1 defeat in Bristol, and manager Gary Rowett’s post-match view.
The 51-year-old added on burtonalbionfc.co.uk: “Gary says that unless you match their intensity you have no chance, so that is, first and foremost, what we have to do as we expect them to come flying out of the blocks at us. “That’s the priority for us.” Burton going into the game in fourth-bottom spot, one nine points from 11 matches, two points better off than Simon Grayson’s Sunderland.
City, who visit the Stadium of Light on October 28, are fourth-top going into tomorrow’s clash. They will go second, even if just temporarily, with a victory.