Burton Albion welcome Crewe Alexandra to the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday evening, knowing that victory would all but secure their progression into the knockout stage.
The Brewers currently sit second in Group H of the Southern Section, having recorded one win and one defeat so far, while maintaining a healthy goal difference advantage over third-placed Chesterfield, who are level on points.
Meanwhile, a defeat in this encounter may not drastically affect the visitors’ position at the top, given that both of their victories in the competition have come with a strong goal difference.
That said, Burton enter this contest buoyed by a hard-fought win away at Bradford City in League One, while Crewe arrive on the back of a home triumph over Shrewsbury in the fourth tier.
Read our Burton Albion vs Crewe Alexandra prediction and preview to find out more, and remember to check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Burton Albion vs Crewe Alexandra prediction: Hosts seek crucial three points
Key stats:
- Burton have recorded three wins from their last four matches (D1), keeping clean sheets in two of those fixtures.
- Crewe have lost in either half in five of their last seven away games across all competitions.
- The Brewers have won three of their last five competitive head-to-head meetings between the sides, including the most recent one at the Pirelli.
- None of Burton’s last nine home matches have ended in a draw.
Correct score prediction: Burton 2-0 Crewe
Securing maximum points in this fixture is of great importance for Burton, who risk missing out on qualification if Chesterfield manage to win their match against Liverpool U-21.
As a result, the hosts should be well-motivated to see this through, buoyed by the support of their home fans, who have watched the team win two of their last three competitive games on their turf, keeping clean sheets in both victories.
In addition, the difference in competition level could prove decisive, with the League One hosts likely to hold a clear advantage over their League Two visitors.
Pre-match analysis: Bookies tip hosts as slight favourites
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
The above odds suggest the home side have the upper hand, albeit marginally, with their 43.5% chance reflecting a narrow edge compared to Crewe’s 37.0%. A draw is priced at 28.6%.
Although Crewe have scored and conceded in each of their last four matches in all competitions, they come up against a Burton side whose recent home games have consistently failed to produce goals at both ends. Therefore, at 2.3 odds, the tip for both teams not to score remains a strong and valuable pick.
Most recent H2H: First competitive clash in over three years
The last competitive meeting between the two sides was in January 2022, when Burton ran out 4-1 winners at home in League One, though a 2-2 draw was recorded when the teams met in a friendly in August 2023.
UK Friendlies 15/07/23
Crewe
Burton Albion
England League 1 01/01/22
Burton Albion
Crewe
England League 1 18/09/21
Crewe
Burton Albion
England League 1 13/03/21
Crewe
Burton Albion
England League 1 05/12/20
Burton Albion
Crewe
Burton preview: Key absentees in defence
Either Kamil Dudek or Jordan Amissah is expected to return between the posts, with first-choice goalkeeper Brad Collins likely to be rested. Meanwhile, centre-backs Jason Sarah and Finn Delap could remain sidelined, alongside left-backs Sebastian Revan and Dylan Williams.
Meanwhile, centre-back Toby Sibbick will not be available due to international commitment with the Ugandan national team.
Predicted XI: Amissah (GK), Taroni, Godwin-Malife, Hartridge, Akoto, Chauke, Webster, Krubally, Shade, Beesley & Tavares
Burton’s last five results:
- 08/11/25: Bradford City 1-2 Burton (W)
- 04/11/25: Rotherham 2-2 Burton (D)
- 01/11/25: Burton 6-0 St. Albans (W)
- 25/10/25: AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Burton (W)
- 18/10/25: Burton 0-1 Peterborough (L)
Crewe preview: Sam Waller should return in goal
There are few absentees from the squad that featured in the previous EFL Trophy fixture, though centre-back James Golding remains a doubt after missing the weekend game against Shrewsbury.
Centre-forward Omar Bogle made his long-awaited return from injury with a second-half cameo last time out and could feature again here, even if not from the start. Meanwhile, Sam Waller is expected to return in goal, with first-choice goalkeeper Tom Booth likely to be rested.
Predicted XI: Waller (GK), Finney, Connolly, Croker, Dancey, Lunt, Moore, Armstrong, Rankine, Tezgel & Moult
Crewe’s last five results:
- 08/11/25: Crewe 3-1 Shrewsbury (L)
- 01/11/25: Crewe 1-2 Doncaster (L)
- 25/10/25: Crewe 3-2 Grimsby (W)
- 18/10/25: MK Dons 3-1 Crewe (L)
- 14/10/25: Crewe 2-0 Liverpool U21 (W)
Player to watch: Jake Beesley
With Burton needing all three points, some of their key attacking players could be involved from the outset on Tuesday. Among them is Jake Beesley, who has contributed a goal and an assist across his last two outings.
Although he did not start in previous EFL Trophy rounds, Beesley may feature from the beginning here after netting the opener in the weekend victory.