Burton Mail reporter Ashley Wilkinson speaks to bwfc.co.uk ahead of Tuesday's Capital One Cup tie
Ashley Wilkinson is the chief Burton Albion reporter for the Burton Mail. Ahead of Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash against Bolton at Macron Stadium, Ashley speaks to bwfc.co.uk to give the lowdown on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side.
bwfc.co.uk: Having gained promotion last season, what are the expectations for Burton Albion this time round?
AW: There’s certainly a confidence around Burton Albion at the moment that they can be competitive in the third tier of English football. They already have League One experience in their ranks with John Mousinho, Stuart Beavon and Lucas Akins among others, and recruitment has been positive too. The management and squad won’t be happy just surviving in League One - they want to show what they can do this season.
bwfc.co.uk: What have you made of Burton’s dealings in the summer transfer market so far?
AW: A lot of players have come in, both a mix of loans and permanent deals. They all fit a similar mould, mostly aged 20-25 and all are capable of playing high energy football. Keeper Remi Matthews, on loan from Norwich City, carries promise as does Wolves winger Zeli Ismail. There is also League One experience in there - Mark Duffy from Birmingham will be a vital outlet for Albion this season.
bwfc.co.uk: Who will be the one to watch on Tuesday?
AW: Nasser El Khayati is a real bag of tricks on the wing and often gets on the defender’s wrong side, and he can put a dangerous cross into the box or pull off a wonderful finish. He signed from Kozakken Boys in the Dutch third tier in January and has become a firm fan favourite in his time at the Pirelli Stadium.
bwfc.co.uk: And finally, what kind of a game are you expecting?
AW: The Brewers will be up for the challenge and will look to operate on the front foot, and it will be a tough evening for both sides. But I’m going to keep my counsel on any score prediction!
Ashley Wilkinson is on Twitter at @AshWilkinsonBM.