The Shrimps travel to the Pirelli Stadium on Friday 15 October to take on Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One.
Stephen Robinson’s men return to action following the international break with a trip to the Midlands.
Last time out in the league, the Shrimps slipped to a 4-3 defeat away at Wycombe Wanderers. Alfie McCalmont, Adam Phillips and Jonah Ayunga got their names on the scoresheet, however their goals were cancelled out by Curtis Thompson’s 92nd minute strike which secured all three points for the hosts.
The Shrimps have won four out of the last 12 league meetings between the two sides and drawn two. Last time Morecambe travelled to the Pirelli Stadium was in October 2014, when goals from Kevin Ellison and Alex Kenyon secured a 2-0 victory on the road. Their only other meeting outside of the EFL was a League Cup clash in 2019 in which the Brewers came out 4-0 winners- the last time the two teams met.
The Opposition
Form guide
After winning their opening three games, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side have suffered a dip in form with just one victory from their last nine in Sky Bet League One. Their only defeat in the last three was a 2-1 loss at the hands of league leaders Plymouth Argyle. A win for the Brewers would spring them from 10th back closer to a play-off place.
After enjoying a successful career as a player with the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Leeds United, Hasselbaink’s first taste of management was in the Belgian Second Division with Royal Antwerp. He joined Burton Albion for the first time in November 2014 and guided them to their first ever promotion to League One. The 49-year-old spent time at Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town before re-joining the Brewers for the second time at the beginning of this year.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s pre-match thoughts
The Burton Albion manager said he is aware of the threats that the Shrimps possess.
“It’s a team that stick together, a team that works hard together and they stick to their strengths,” Hasselbaink said.
“They are well organised, they have a low block and back off, which then allows them to hit sides of the break.
“They are in that momentum of promotion and feeling good, they are no mugs – you don’t go to Ipswich and play against Sheffield Wednesday and win if you are.”
Albion’s key players
Hasselbaink confirmed that Kane Hemmings is available for selection on Friday. The striker came off as a precautionary measure on Saturday away at Plymouth Argyle however the gaffer said he has trained and is “ready”. The 29-year-old made the move to the Pirelli Stadium in August 2020 and made his mark as top scorer for the season with 15 goals.
Versatile Lucas Akins has started the season strongly with three goals and two assists to his name so far this campaign. The 32-year-old has been with the Brewers since 2014 and scored the club’s 700th Football League goal at Home Park last weekend.
Teenage striker Daniel Jebbison could play a part on Friday. The 18-year-old is on loan at Albion from Championship side Sheffield United and represents England at Under 19 level.
Shrimps’ pre-match thoughts
Morecambe boss Stephen Robinson said his team are well equipped for the challenge ahead.
“Every game is absolutely huge,” Robinson stated.
“It’s a tough task on Friday night, one we are well equipped for and one we are well equipped to take points from.
“I like it, playing under the lights. It’s a nice stadium, a nice setup.
“They had a really good start to the season and then they’ve had some indifferent results recently but they’re a good team.”
Meet the men in black
Martin Coy will take charge of Friday night’s game under the lights with his assistants Andrew Hendley and Ollie Williams running the line. Billy Smallwood will be the fourth official.
Coy, who is based in Durham has taken charge of three Sky Bet League One games this season, three in Sky Bet League Two and two in the Carabao Cup. In those games he has handed out a total of 19 yellow cards and one red card.
The last time Coy took charge of the Shrimps was back in November 2019 in a 5-0 defeat away at Crewe Alexandra.
Don’t miss a kick with our iFollow coverage
After teaming up with Beyond Radio for the 2021/22 season, supporters will be able to listen to exclusive, full and uninterrupted radio commentary of every single game, home and away, which will be broadcast simultaneously across North Lancashire on 103.5 and 107.5FM, as well as on the iFollow Shrimps platform.
Joining host Dave Salmon is the club’s media assistant Matt Smith as well as special guest Gab Sutton, audio passes are available from as little as £2.50 per match, £4.49 for a monthly pass or £45 for a season pass.
As well as full match commentary, the ‘Shrimps Verdict’ podcast will be available post-match, featuring online, on demand content, including audio match highlights, post-match interviews and reaction, and the chance for supporters to have their say.