Crewe take on Brighton in the first match of the 2007/08 season. In the past 10 opening day fixtures we have only won one of them, which was a 2-1 home victory against Burnley in the 05/06 season.
Both teams finished in mid table obscurity last season and will be looking at the play offs as a realistic ambition in the forthcoming season. Crewe wrapped up their pre-season programme with a 3-1 home victory over Stockport whilst Brighton won 4-0 at Chester.
Vital Quotes:
On watching Brighton at Chester last weekend Technical Director Dario Gradi told the official website ‘Brighton didn’t play as much football as they did against us at the start of last season. What I mean by that is that they didn’t overplay and had more purpose to their play’
Dario also impressed by the new look Albion front line and warned our new look defence will have to be on their toes against Forster and Revell.
He told the official site ‘I was very impressed with their forward. Nicky Forster is a very good player and has scored goals in the Championship for many years. I was also impressed with Alex Revell, who played up there alongside him. He was very athletic and looks to have improved under Dean. They were dangerous and will be a handful’
Crewe Team News:
Midfielder Michael O`Connor and striker Tom Pope are ruled out with injury whilst David Vaughan is rated 50/50, the Welshman returned to training a week ago but hasn`t featured in pre-season but will be given a late fitness test ahead of the game.
Likely Team: Williams, Jones, Woodards, Baudet, McCready, Lowe, Cox, Schumacher, Roberts, Maynard, Miller
Player to watch: Shaun Miller
Made his senior debut last season and will be looking to secure his place in the side following Luke Varney`s 2,500,000 move to Charlton. The Alsager born striker scored 3 goals in seven first team appearances last season.
He has continued to impress in pre-season netting against his home town team Alsager and in last week`s 3-1 victory against Stockport. Miller will be looking to shine and prove he is the player to follow in the footsteps of Luke Varney.
Brighton Team News:
Midfielder Jake Robinson will miss the trip to Crewe as he is recovering from ligament damage, his place on the right of midfield is likely to go to Tommy Fraser. Gary Hart, Adam Hinshelwood and Doug Loft are also missing through injury.
Player to watch: Alex Revell
Alex scored two goals in Brighton`s final warm up match at Chester. He will be looking to make a good start to the 07/08 league one campaign. The experienced Nicky Forster will provide valuable support for the Cambridge born forward.
He scored 7 goals in 38 appearances last season for Brighton and he will be looking to progress this season. Revell is likely to be given the nod to play at Crewe but if he fails to impress former Crewe trialist Bas Savage who scored in the League One encounter at the Alexandra Stadium lat season will be called upon.
Match Facts & Stats
Brighton 1-4 Crewe
Crewe 1-1 Brighton
Crewe 11/10
Draw 11/5
Brighton 11/5
Source: Bet 365
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be S.J.Bratt from the West Midlands. He will be assisted by I Siddall and J.R Tyas. The fourth official will be S.P Cummins.
Mr Bratt officiated in 25 games last season and issued 68 yellow cards and 5 red cards. He was in charge of Crewe’s dramatic penalty shoot out victory against Rochdale in the JPT and also the League One encounter between Crewe and Brentford which we won 3-1.
Match Prediction:
Crewe 2-0 Brighton
Next Fixtures:
Crewe v Hull City (League Cup) – Wednesday 15th August
Bristol Rovers v Crewe – Saturday 18th August