Burton Albion will not be overawed by the visit of 2013 FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic in the Capital One Cup this evening. Quite the contrary.
The round one clash is their first professional meeting and first clash since their 1972 FA Trophy game when Burton were beaten by Wigan.
The Latics travel to the Pirelli Stadium after a 2-2 draw against Reading at the weekend while Albion have been awaiting Uwe Rosler’s men with anticipation.
“It’s a really good draw,” manager Gary Rowett said having avoided Sheffield United at home unlike in the previous two seasons in the first round.
“I just spoke to the chairman and he’s delighted, because for a club like us, we’re always looking for a big draw.”
Despite the Premier League and Cup experience of many Wigan players, Rowett was upbeat about his side’s chances.
“Wigan are as big a club as we could have hoped for and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a home draw as well, which doesn’t seem to have happened for us very often.
“We know that if Wigan play as strong a team as they can, then it will certainly be a tough match – but we can do it.”
Confidence will be high after a 1-0 win over Oxford United as The Brewers continue without Jimmy Phillips, Lee Bell, and Damien McCrory, who all have knee injuries.
In their first appearance in the first round of the League Cup for 10 years, the Latics will arrive with no new injury worries.
Midfielders Ben Watson (broken leg), Chris McCann (knee) and James McClean (ankle) are all still long-term absentees.
Rosler was most impressed by Callum McManaman at the weekend, labelling the forward a “different player to last year” after he scored the club’s opener.
Main image courtesy of Burton Albion via YouTube, with thanks.