Burton Albion vs Mansfield
EFL Trophy
Tuesday
21st November 2023
Pirelli Stadium
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the EFL Trophy fixture between Burton Albion and Mansfield.
Burton Albion vs Mansfield: Preview
Burton Albion form analysis
Burton’s recent run of games has showcased their occasional goal threat but also clear defensive vulnerabilities holding them back. They started with a disappointing 2-1 away loss at Carlisle in the EFL Trophy, going ahead through Helm before conceding twice in the second half. There was a better defensive performance next match as they held Leyton Orient to a goalless home draw, remaining compact throughout.
However, problems resurfaced in their next game – a stalemate away at Port Vale in the FA Cup – needing a replay after passive first half play. Familiar issues struck again in their next match, losing 2-1 away at Doncaster in the EFL Trophy after going two behind despite Lubala’s late consolation. Most recently, Burton’s defensive struggles continued in a 0-2 away loss at Northampton, caught out twice in the second half after an even first period. Overall, Burton has lacked consistency at both ends of the pitch.
Mansfield form analysis
Mansfield Town’s recent run of games has showcased their occasional goal threat but also issues defensively and seeing out results. They started with an important 2-1 home win over Walsall thanks to goals from Flint and Bowery either side of Stirk’s equalizer. However, familiar problems surfaced in their next match – a disappointing 1-0 away loss at Port Vale in the EFL Cup, caught out by a soft second half goal.
This continued in the FA Cup as Mansfield let a lead slip in a 1-2 home loss to Wrexham, going behind early before equalizing through Oates but conceding again due to sloppy set piece marking. Back came the defensive issues in their next match, losing 0-1 at home to Everton’s U21s in the EFL Trophy after conceding late to a penalty. Most recently though, Mansfield battled impressively to win 2-1 away at Salford, with goals from Bowery and Keillor-Dunn earning the points despite intense pressure. Overall, Mansfield must add consistency and steel defensively if their sporadic threats in attack.
