Prediction Burton Albion vs Lincoln City 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the Carabao Cup on 26/08/2025

Match preview

A late August night at the Pirelli Stadium sets the stage for a mouth-watering Carabao Cup second-round clash as Burton Albion host Lincoln City on 26/08/2025. The compact venue in Burton-upon-Trent will be buzzing under referee Oliver Mackey’s watch, with home fans hoping their side can arrest a fragile run of form. Burton have been inconsistent in August, a mix of draws, narrow wins and defeats that leaves them searching for momentum just days after a 2-1 loss to Stockport County. Their recent results show resilience but also a lack of cutting edge — low shot numbers and limited goals have been an issue.

Lincoln, by contrast, arrive with clear belief. The Imps’ recent run reads strongly: wins over Plymouth Argyle and Northampton Town and an emphatic 3-2 victory at home that demonstrated firepower and attacking intent. Their 1-1 draw at Bolton in the most recent round was another sign of a team in good nick, with George Wickens singled out as Lincoln’s standout performer in that fixture. Across the last ten matches Lincoln have posted six wins, suggesting a side that travels with confidence and a coherent attacking plan.

Form and key stats

Numbers paint a telling picture. Burton’s attacking output has been modest — averaging six total shots and only two on target in the snapshot provided — and their goals have been scarce. Lincoln’s attacking metrics are significantly superior: an average of 21 total shots with five on target and a higher rate of shots inside the box. That statistical gulf points to a pattern: Lincoln are creating far more chances and doing so with greater regularity. The head-to-head earlier this year also went Lincoln’s way, a narrow 1-0 victory that adds a psychological edge for the visitors.

While Burton will lean on home familiarity and the support of their crowd, the Imps’ recent string of wins and superior chance-creation suggest they are the side more likely to impose themselves on this tie. Discipline and composure in the final third will be decisive, and the contrast in attacking numbers cannot be ignored.

Betting suggestion

Given the form, shot volume and market prices, the clearest value is in the 1X2 market: back Lincoln City to win. The odds of 2.25 reflect them as favorites for a reason — their recent performances, superior attacking statistics and a morale-boosting run make an away victory the most probable outcome.