Burton Albion FC vs Tranmere Rovers preview - Akins set for Brewers return

Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2014 by PA

Burton winger Lucas Akins could return from injury against his former club Tranmere.

Akins, a Rovers player between August 2010 and August 2012, has missed the past month with a niggling ankle problem.

Kelvin Maynard could be another player back in Burton's ranks on Boxing Day. The defender has sat out the last two matches with a hamstring injury.

Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has options should he wish to make any changes to his starting line-up following the goalless draw at Southend last Friday. The likes of George Taft, Ian Sharps, Matty Palmer and Adam McGurk could come into the Dutchman's thinking.

Tranmere are likely to be without defender Michael Ihiekwe.

The centre-back sustained what Micky Adams feared may be ankle ligament damage after being carried off on a stretcher against Cambridge last Friday, although the Rovers boss is hopeful his injury is not too serious.

Josh Thompson (hamstring) is back training but this contest will probably come too soon for him, while Danny Woodards has again been sidelined by a foot injury, meaning Adams' options in defence are limited.

Cole Stockton came off the bench to score against the U's and could come into the XI, but Jason Koumas and Matt Hill (both Achilles) will miss out.