Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion will play host to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday evening in the third round of the Carabao cup with the League One side hoping to cause an upset against higher ranked opposition.

Yet the Brewers have reason to be hopeful of getting a result against Eddie Howe’s team as it is likely that Bournemouth will field a significantly weakened side with one eye on their weekend game when they will play host to West Ham in the Premier League, whereas Burton’s next league game is not until the 5^thOctober. Furthermore, Burton are in good from in the competition having beaten Morecambe 4-0 in the last round and Clough feels that the role of underdog could suit his team well in the match. Finally, Burton will be bolstered by the potential return of John-Joe O’Toole and the new signing of Lloyd Dyer as the veteran winger returns to the club.

The first and possibly most crucial reason why Burton could find themselves running out as the winners is due to the possible team that Bournemouth may field. The Cherries have enjoyed a flying start to the season and the last thing that Eddie Howe would want to do is overwork and injure any of his key performers who have helped his side to 6^thin the Premier League. Eddie Howe has already mentioned that his squad have picked up a few injuries and that fringe players will be given opportunities to play, indicating that it won’t be the same players who have been performing week in and week out in the Premiership. In addition, the weakened Bournemouth team that played in the last round failed to find a way to score against Forest Green Rovers in 90 minutes and had to rely on penalties to progress.

Another reason why Burton Albion fans have reason to be hopeful is that Nigel Clough believes his team performs best when they are the underdogs in the encounter. As he says that “you have to enjoy being the underdogs” and that “beating a bigger, better team with more resources is the incentive”. Burton certainly enjoyed being the underdogs last season as they reached the semi-finals of this competition; beating the likes of Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Aston Villa along the way. Burton’s emphatic victory against Morecambe in the last round will also give them further hope that they are capable of progressing in this tournament.

The final reason why Burton could cause a shock is that they are welcoming back two key players into the squad. Burton announced the signing of Lloyd Dyer on Wednesday morning, a player who scored 14 goals and made 5 assists for the Brewers over two years the club. Even if Dyer does not start or play it is sure to give a morale boost to the squad and fans. Furthermore, starting central defender John-Joe O’Toole is returning from suspension and he will seek to add more solidity and aggression at the heart of the Burton defence.

Therefore, even though Bournemouth are the clear favourites to progress with the superior resources, squad depth and players, there is definitely reason for Burton Albion to be hopeful of getting a result and they will be able to approach the game with nothing to lose and a lot to gain.