Crewe travel to Leeds in their last away fixture of the season. One could be forgiven for thinking the match was unimportant with Crewe’s relegation to League One already confirmed whilst Leeds are guaranteed of a play-off position.
Leeds Team News:
Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has hinted that changes may be made to tomorrow’s line up as he is keen to ensure that injuries don’t hinder his side’s chances in the play-offs. Steve Stone came through 70 minutes for the reserves in the week and may earn a place on the bench as he looks to make his debut for Leeds after an injury-plagued season. Rob Hulse is expected to line up against his former club, with one of Ian Moore, Jermaine Beckford and Robbie Blake expected to partner Hulse. Blake is expected to be given the nod as Blackwell tries to build up his fitness following an injury lay-off. Sean Gregan may also start following a rib injury. Eddie Lewis may return to the side having been rested in the week, whilst Danny Pugh is hoping to make just his fourth start of the season.
Player to watch: Rob Hulse
Hulse is Leeds’ top scorer with 13 this season and will be looking to score against his former club.
Crewe Team News:
Crewe boss Dario Gradi claims that this game is not the time to give youngsters a chance. Madjid Bougherra will start for Crewe in what is likely to be his last appearance for the South Cheshire outfit, though Tony Grant is out through injury. As a result, Billy Jones is likely to move back into midfield with either Chris McCready or Anthony Tonkin filling the left back slot. Michael Higdon is unlikely to feature as a result of his ankle injury, whilst Ben Williams and Juan Ugarte definitely won’t feature again this season.
Player to watch: David Vaughan
The Welsh international made his first start since January last weekend, scoring a magnificient goal in the process. Vaughany is likely to remain on the right of midfield, though no doubt he will support the attacks enthusiastically.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Time Out: Crewe beat Leeds 1-0 in one of the Alex’s best performances of the season. Billy Jones scored the goal as a tremendous team effort earned Crewe the points.
Recent Meetings:
Crewe 1-0 Leeds
Leeds 0-2 Crewe
Crewe 2-2 Leeds
Leeds’ Top Goalscorer: Rob Hulse – 13
Leeds’ Top Assistsman: Eddie Lewis + Robbie Blake – 6
Crewe’s Top Goalscorer: Billy Jones – 8
Crewe’s Top Assistsman: Steve Jones – 12
Crewe have never lost a league game against Leeds
Leeds’ Rob Hulse has the sixth worst disciplinary record of any player in the Championship this season.
Ref Watch:
N S Miller
Match Prediction:
Leeds 2-1 Crewe