Burton Albion will require a big second half of the season if they are to escape relegation from the Championship for a second time.

The Brewers have comfortably the lowest budget in the division and Nigel Clough deserves huge credit for the way he has his side competing over the past season and a half.

However, he faces a huge test in trying to preserve Albion’s status as a second tier club for a third year.

Whilst his side are in no way cut adrift at the bottom, they are in a tricky situation ahead of the run of games they have coming up.

Clough will be desperate to add a bit of quality to his side in January but he will be aware that there are serious restrictions with the budget given the size of the club.

Therefore, he will look to move players in order to help balance the squad for any incomings.

Here we look at two players who should leave the Pirelli Stadium in January.

Luke Varney

The 35-year old is struggling to make an impact in the Championship this season and Clough will be keen to bring attacking options to the club which will reduce Varney’s chances of playing.

He’s managed just 32 minutes of action in the last eight games so the experienced attacker will understand that Clough has other options.

As he is approaching the end of his career he will surely prefer to go out and get regular football whilst he is fit and ready to play.

Hope Akpan

The tough midfielder has been a bit of a disappointment this season. Akpan has played regularly in the Championship over the years for both Reading and Blackburn but has struggled with the Brewers.

The Nigerian has played just eight games this season and his most notable contribution was to get sent off.

At 26-years old he has a lot to give still but it may not work out at Burton who should look to move him on.

Thoughts, Burton fans? Let us know in the comments below.