Burton Albion v Huddersfield Town Betting Tip

Two clubs with vastly different aims go head-to-head on Tuesday as survival hopefuls Burton Albion host play-off chasing Huddersfield Town.

Burton, who are currently in 20th and just two points clear from relegation, have been very inconsistent all season and are still yet to notch consecutive wins in their first ever season in the second tier. However, they are picking up points very steadily and their attacking tactical approach is very refreshing for a newly-promoted side.

Although they have scored in their last three matches, goals are generally a problem for Nigel Clough’s side with just 22 goals in 20 league matches this season. Their main front man, Chris O’Grady, is not a goalscorer (as proved by his zero goals this campaign) and is more of a striker who helps to create chances for others. This is of course crucial to The Brewers’ style of play but he will feel he needs to chip in with a few himself.

Being the inconsistent side they are, they do have a few defensive lapses and have kept just five clean sheets all season – conceding sloppy goals here and there. Overall though you do get the feeling that Burton have been unlucky having drawn so many games. When you look at their goal stats compared to teams higher in the division they are actually pretty equal. For example, they have scored just two fewer and conceded just one more than seventh place Birmingham City.

Having said that, Clough’s side have been immense at their home ground of the Pirelli Stadium – the smallest stadium in the Championship with a capacity of just 6912 – having won half of their matches on home soil. The unique style of the ground obviously helps The Brewers as the fans are closer to the pitch than in most other Championship grounds and that closeness in the atmosphere can really help the home side.

Everybody puts Burton down and expects their team to have a comfortable victory over Clough’s team, however, with home form this good, people should really think twice before doing so.

After an electrifying start to the season, Huddersfield have dropped off the pace a bit in recent weeks and, after just one win in their last six matches, The Terriers have slipped down to fourth. Fortunately for them, they still remain in the play-off places thanks to that fantastic start.

Manager David Wagner, a close friend and former colleague of Jurgen Klopp, has brought a ‘German’ style to the Yorkshire side and they play a very intense pressing game. This clearly works for them in the attacking third as they average more than a goal a game and have found the back of the net in each of their last five matches. However, as with many sides who play attacking football in the Championship, they are vulnerable at the back with a goal difference of minus two – the only team with a minus goal difference in the top six, whilst they have kept just four clean sheets in the league all season.

Even though they won against fellow play-off hopefuls Bristol City at the weekend, Huddersfield will not be full of confidence going to Burton on Tuesday night. The Terriers have a poor record away from the John Smith’s Stadium having picked up just four points out of a possible 21 on the travels in the last seven games.  Will they be able to handle an intimidating atmosphere at the Pirelli on Tuesday?

My instinct is no and I think the wisest move here is to back underdogs Burton Albion to win at 17/10. As previously mentioned, everybody puts Burton down but if Huddersfield do not turn up and give 100%, they will be in for a shock. Additionally, as well as having good home form in general, these matches against the bigger sides suit Burton as proved by the fact that three of their four home wins have come against sides chasing the play-off places – another bold performance from the hosts is expected here.

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