Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has made three changes from Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Hull City as the Brewers prepare for the challenge of Middlesbrough tonight.

Tonight's Albion side sees Damien McCrory replacing the injured Stephen Warnock - who rolled his ankle just minutes into the defeat to the Tigers - Matt Palmer replacing the suspended Jackson Irvine and Lloyd Dyer coming in for Hope Akpan.

Burton will line up in a 4-5-1 formation against Boro.

Irvine is serving a one-match suspension following his sending off against Hull - only five minutes after he equalised with a superb strike, with Palmer making his first league start since February in replacing him.

Stephen Bywater keeps his place guarding the Brewers goal, with loan keeper Connor Ripley's ineligible to feature against his parent club.

Tom Naylor, Kyle McFadzean, Jake Buxton - tonight's captain - and McCrory make up the defence that will be expected to deal with Boro's £30 million attacking force.

Damien McCrory starts tonight's match
Damien McCrory starts tonight's match

Marvin Sordell and Lloyd Dyer will be expected to offer the threats from the wings, with Matty Lund and Palmer either side of Luke Murph in central midfield.

Lucas Akins makes his fourth start of a busy campaign so far - with the striker clocking up three 90 minute matches already this term.

On the bench are Harry Campbell, Tom Flanagan, Shaun Barker, Joe Sbarra, Ben Fox, Akpan and Luke Varney, with skipper John Mousinho not in the matchday 18.