PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

They narrowly missed out on promotion to League One last term.

But there has been no hangover for Burton at the start of the 2014/15 campaign.

Gary Rowett’s side were beaten by Fleetwood at Wembley in the play-off final back in May.

The Brewers have made an excellent start to this season, however, dropping just two points and knocking Championship Wigan and Premier League QPR out of the Capital One Cup.

And Andy Awford knows Pompey are in for a tough test when they visit the Pirelli Stadium for Sunday’s televised clash.

The Blues boss said: “Burton have had that squad together for a while now and are absolutely flying.

“They were knocking on the door last season and were unlucky not to get promoted.

“It would be easy to have a bit of a slump after that setback, but they’ve started well and are having a good go.

“I expect them to be right up there at the end of the current campaign and if you finish above Burton then you’ll have done very well.

“They’re a good side and it will be a difficult game, but one we hope we can get a positive result from.

“I think Sky have picked the right one – it’s two good sides and it should be an entertaining match.”

Awford has rotated his squad to cope with the hectic early season period and is pleased with the outcome.

He said: “When we’ve made changes in previous games – Newport aside – we’ve always had a positive result.

“I’m delighted that players have come into the side and just got on with it.

“We’ve also been able to give some of our younger players the chances to feature in competitive first team matches.

“We’ve been able to utilise the strong squad we’ve got and, like Burton, have beaten higher division sides in the cup competitions.”

Nigel Atangana (hamstring) and Nick Awford (shoulder) are both doubts for Sunday’s clash, while Jack Whatmough is away on England under-19 duty.