We are just 16 days away from the start of the new Sky Bet Championship season.


As part of our countdown to the 2017/18 campaign, dcfc.co.uk has been profiling all of the sides that Gary Rowett’s Derby County are going to be coming up against over the course of the forthcoming 10 months.

Next up, and team number seven on our list, is a club very close to home…

Burton Albion

Manager: Nigel Clough
Nickname: The Brewers
Stadium Capacity: 6,912
Finishing Place Last Season: 20th (52 Points)
Top Scorer (2016/17): Jackson Irvine (10 Goals)
Promotion Odds (According to Coral): 33/1

When Do We Face This Brewers?

Home – Saturday 2nd December 2017 (kick-off: 3pm)
Away – Saturday 14th April 2018 (kick-off: 3pm)

What Were The Scores Last Season?

Burton Albion 1-0 Derby County
Derby County 0-0 Burton Albion

How Did They Fare Last Season?

Burton Albion’s survival was one against huge pre-season odds last campaign and was a real indicator of how far a great team spirit can take you in the game.

Through a nice blend of shrewd signings, determination and togetherness, Nigel Clough’s plucky Albion outfit claimed some eye-catching scalps – particularly on home soil – to secure a 20th place finish and 52 points in their first season in the second tier.

Their threat at the Pirelli Stadium was evident within the first month, when the Brewers claimed victories over Sheffield Wednesday and then Derby.

Burton’s home form became the crux of their survival and they went on to claim further wins over the likes of Birmingham City, Leeds United, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers to beat the drop.

You would suspect that home comforts will be key once more as they gear up for their second year in the Championship.

Their early signings of ex-Derby players Jake Buxton and Stephen Warnock have brought further experience to the table, whilst Clough has also re-signed Luke Murphy on loan from Leeds United and brought in Hope Akpan to bolster the midfield after he left Blackburn Rovers.

They also broke their transfer record to land Ross County's Northern Ireland international striker Liam Boyce.