Having lost four of their last six fixtures in League One, Burton have been lacking momentum, and that has been prolonged with numerous cancellations throughout December.
The Brewers had been scheduled to return from their coronavirus-enforced break earlier this week against Bolton Wanderers, only for their opponents to have their own outbreak.
In the build-up to this match, assistant boss Dino Maamria has spoken optimistically about how Burton could perform over the following weeks and months, but they desperately need points on the board as soon as possible.
Regardless of their matches in hand, Burton are 14 points adrift of the playoffs, and focus should perhaps be placed on ensuring that they do not get dragged closer to the relegation zone.
Last time out on December 11, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team were competitive at leaders Rotherham United, only trailing 2-1 heading into the closing stages before the Millers added a third with six minutes remaining.
There was a time earlier this season when Crewe seemed somewhat of a lost cause when it came to League One survival, a consequence of winning just one of their opening 17 matches.
However, three victories from their last six outings, the latest coming by a 2-1 scoreline against rivals Morecambe on Wednesday, has moved them back into contention to move outside of the bottom four.
Much works lies ahead if they wish to remain at the third tier, but the 18-day break ahead of their most recent outing has seemingly only benefitted them.
The form of veteran Chris Porter has proven pivotal since November, the 38-year-old contributing three goals and two assists in seven outings
