Burton Albion V Barnet at Pirelli Stadium - Match Preview




Sharps set for Burton bow

Ian Sharps is set to make his Burton debut against Barnet at the Pirelli Stadium.

The experienced central defender has joined the Brewers on loan from Rotherham until the end of the season, putting Nathan Stanton and Zander Diamond's partnership in the heart of the defence under threat.

Midfielder Lee Bell and top scorer Calvin Zola both passed late fitness tests to start the 1-0 away defeat against Northampton last weekend and will keep their places in manager Gary Rowett's first XI.

The promotion hopefuls will be glad to be back in front of their home fans after their loss against the Cobblers stretched their losing streak on the road to four games.

Rowett's men have won all of their last three home games but will have their 3-2 defeat to the Bees in December fresh in the memory as they seek to avoid complacency against Edgar Davids' resurgent side.

Harry Crawford could be handed his Bees bow.

The 21-year-old striker has signed a three-year deal with Barnet after scoring 12 goals for Dartford in the Conference this season.

Fellow forward Jamal Lowe may also be involved after returning from a loan spell with Hayes & Yeading.

The Bees are still without four other strikers as Jon Nurse completes a three-match ban for his red card against Aldershot on New Year's Day while Steve Kabba (knee), Collins John (hernia) and Ishmail Kamara (shoulder) are injured.

On-loan Stevenage defender Andy Iro was a doubt for last week's visit of Fleetwood after he was taken to hospital with a head injury at Rotherham, but the postponement has given him extra time to recover.

Source: PA

Source: PA