Defensive injuries may force Lee Johnson to change in system today at Burton Albion, although much depends on the availability of Bailey Wright, who is rated at 50/50…
PHILOSOPHY
"We might have to look at our philosophy a little bit with the situation and adapt it. Almost become more total football rather than that counter-pressing side that we currently are. We've got a focus on the ball obviously, but our bigger focus is off the ball, really. So it's an offensive mindset, but it means there is a lot of defensive protocol. At times we actually got that wrong against Lincoln and there were times where I wasn't happy in the first half, where the opposition had too much time to build. However, on the ball, especially if you're playing full-backs/central midfielders at centre half, there are different patterns of play and movements [you can achieve]. You saw some examples of that on Wednesday where Luke was able to really drive out with the ball and became almost an attacking threat. You have Grant Leadbitter then who just sort of becomes that covering player while one centre-half protects the space behind. Really what you're trying to do is accentuate the attributes of any individual, and at the moment for us that means having to be really fluid. The positive of that is we've got two results and the boys are going into the next one with a lot of belief."
OPPOSITION SUMMARY
"I think it's a really tough fixture and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has really got them going. I thought when he left QPR it was a bit early and a bit harsh, and he’s back at Burton where he did an exceptional job before. I’ve watched some of their recent games and you can see in their performances that it’s going to be a really difficult game for us. They've players there that I know well from having looked at them at previous clubs, but also Jonny Smith who they signed from Bristol City. I like them and think they're a good side. I think the league table in the short run is a bit false.”
