David Flitcroft's Bury side travel down to the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday, aiming to inflict a second defeat this season on promotion-chasing Burton Albion. The Shakers were riding high after their 3-1 reverse fixture victory last October, but as their form has dipped and in the wake of Gary Rowett's departure, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's Brewers have maintained automatic promotion hopes.

Burton come into Saturday's tie on an eight-game unbeaten run, although with two score draws in their last two league games, they could have been at the summit of League Two rather than one point off in third. Adam McGurk snatched a late equaliser for Hasselbaink's men last weekend, as they were held 1-1 at Bootham Crescent by York City. Since taking charge in November, the former Chelsea striker’s side has only lost once in the league, as he looks to build on Rowett’s playoff defeated team of last season.

Bury arrive in East-Staffordshire having beaten Accrington Stanley 1-0 at the Crown Ground on Tuesday evening. A late Nathan Cameron header was enough to give the Shakers a valuable three points that has seen them leap back into play-off contention in the past week. As the bookies favourites and after a blistering start to the campaign, Flitcroft’s side have suffered with inconsistency since defeating their hosts almost four months ago. However with four wins from six since the Christmas period, the Greater Manchester outfit appear to be gaining some momentum in their pursuit of expected League Two promotion.

Goal-scorer last weekend McGurk will be pushing for a starting berth in the Brewers frontline this Saturday, although Burton boss Hasselbaink could opt to stay with lead assister, on seven, Stuart Beavon and Leicester City loanee Jacob Blyth, with five league goals, in the forward line. Winger Alex MacDonald and midfielder Matthew Palmer are doubts for the League Two clash, however Darragh Lenihan recently extended his loan deal from Blackburn Rovers and should continue in the Brewers midfield alongside Northern Irish Robbie Weir. Captain John Mousinho could fill in midfield but may also feature defensively, as Hasselbaink earlier in the week secured the services of Derby County’s Tom Naylor on loan for midfield cover. Defender Shane Cansdell-Sheriff has returned from injury and could feature in a Burton backline which includes almost ever-league present Phil Edwards and centre-back George Taft.

The Shakers will have to continue without striker Ryan Lowe as a hamstring injury looks likely to keep him out for around six weeks, although top scorer in all competitions with 11, Danny Nardiello, and ex-Everton youngster Hallam Hope should be able to fill the void. Having only conceded three goals in their last five games manager Flitcroft will be at odds over Adam El-Abd’s loan move from Bristol City potentially ending after Saturday’s tie, although the Bury boss is hoping to extend the defender’s deal, to keep him alongside midweek goalscorer Cameron at the heart of the Shakers defence. On loan Bolton Wanderers full-back Joe Riley caught the eye during the Greater Manchester sides win in the week, and he could be in line for a first full start. Additionally midfielder Danny Mayor has been catching the eye for most of the season and boss Flitcroft has moved to calm rumours of him exiting the club anytime soon, meaning the seven goal winger will continue his assault on opposition defences either side to Welsh wideman Craig Jones.

With their promotion challenge seemingly back on track, the Shakers will be confident of closing the gap on the Brewers to four points having defeated them so resoundingly earlier in the season, alongside recent league draws last season. However, currently Burton have firm automatic promotion sights and Dutch boss Hasselbaink will be eager to avoid only a second league loss, as he aims to guide Albion to the League Two summit.