Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Saturday’s football game at St James Park pits together Exeter City and Burton Albion, the two teams with entirely different ambitions in the 2022/2023 League One season. Exeter are eyeing promotion to the Championship, while Burton’s main goal is to secure the League One survival. The Grecians are only two points behind the playoffs berth, and a win over Burton could see them climb to top six. Harry Smith has overcome his injury, but all Dieng, Taylor, Hartridge, and Stubbs remain in the treatment room.
The Brewers, on the other hand, made a dreadful start to the season, with the team sitting in the ultimate position with only one point in their pocket. Given Burton’s shaky defence, anything but a routine home win would be a big surprise. Calum Butcher returned to the starting XI in a 2-0 loss to Portsmouth, while Conor Shaughnessy continues to miss out with injury.
Highlighted Player (Nicky Ajose):
Nicky Ajose is an English footballer who started his youth career at Manchester United. Despite signing a professional deal with the Red Devils, Ajose did not see any game action for the English giants at the senior level. After spending the 2010/2011 season on loan at Bury, the 168-cm tall forward signed a contract with Peterborough United in the summer of 2011.
Nicky Ajose played for the likes of Scunthorpe United, Chesterfield, Crawley Town, Bury, and Swindon Town on loan before joining Leeds United on a three-year deal in August 2014. However, the English striker made no more than three league appearances for the Whites before signing a loan deal with Crewe Alexandra. In September 2015, he returned to Swindon Town, signing a three-year contract with the Robins.
Nicky Ajose played for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Bury (loan), and Mansfield (loan) before moving to his current club Exeter City. The Grecians attacker was born in Bury, England, on October 7, 1991, and his preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Burton):
Burton Albion are one of the four clubs that secure promotion to the Championship at the end of the 2015/2016 campaign. The Brewers welcome their rivals at Pirelli Stadium, the venue that was opened in 2005. The capacity of the stadium is 6,912, while the seating capacity of the venue is 2,034.
Burton Albion won the FA Trophy in 1987, with the team winning Football League Two in 2015. During the club’s non-League period, the Brewers’ local rivals were Nuneaton Borough, Tamworth, Stafford Rangers and Gresley Rovers, but while they were playing in the Football League the club’s rivals were Crewe, Port Vale, Notts County and Chesterfield.
Derby County are considered Burton Albion’s rivals as well, but the rivalry with the Rams is rather friendly. The colour of Burton Albion’s home kit is black and yellow, while they wear white and grey jerseys on the travels.