BRING ON UNITED!
Burton’s Lucas Akins looks ahead to their cup trip to Manchester United
UNLIKE many of his teammates, Lucas Akins knows exactly what it’s like to stroll out at Old Trafford.
But, whereas before he was an 11-year-old with his scout group, on Wednesday night it will be for real as Burton face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Akins, Albion’s converted wing-back, travelled from Huddersfield on a scouts’ trip for a club tour of the Theatre of Dreams. Little did he know, 17 years later he would be back.
Even though United will likely field a heavily weak- ened side, as they focus most of their attention on the league and Champions League, Burton have been given virtually no chance.
But, if there is one thing we have learned from the Staffordshire club, it is to expect the unexpected.
“I did a stadium tour when I was younger and we managed to get out and have a good look around the pitch,” said the 28-year-old.
“It will be interesting to go back there. I know it may sound crazy but we will not be going to make up the We want to cause an upset. The league is our bread and butter, but the trip to Old Trafford is big and continues this amazing journey since I joined.
“We have a good cup draw and that is a reward for everyone’s efforts.
Support
“When I signed in League Two in 2014, I came in right after the play-off final defeat (1-0 to Fleetwood). It shows the strength from the chairman (Ben Robinson) to back his managers and give them support to make it work.
“We managed to get promoted from League Two and build. Everyone said we would be favourites to go down when we got to the Championship, but we had to work smarter.”
Burton ultimately survived by a point last term, but their start to this season was frustrating, with three straight defeats before a confidence-building 2-1 win against Birmingham.
They have not kicked on since, though, and before their clash with Fulham yesterday were 21st in the table.
Yet Akins tips the Brewnumbers. ers to turn things round, though he has warned fans to expect a tough campaign.
“It is something we as players relish. We have to fight for every inch we get. At Burton, we don’t get the (referee) decisions other clubs can get ,” he added.
“That is one of the things we have to deal with. We hope it evens itself out, but we go about it quietly and confidently. I believe in what we do.”