Crewe start their pre-season campaign with the visit of Champions League runners up Liverpool. They are expected to bring a strong side to South Cheshire.
Betting:
(Bet 365):
Crewe 7/1
Draw 3/1
Liverpool 1/3
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Ben Rix (shin splints) and Michael O`Connor (hernia) are definitely ruled out of the pre-season fixture. Eugen Bopp travelled with the squad to Portugal but is unlikely to feature as he is still recuperating following an ankle injury at the tail end of last season.
Danny Woodards is also doubtful with a thigh injury sustained on the training camp in Portugal. Ryan Lowe and David Vaughan are suffering with tight groins but both are expected to take part in the showcase fixture.
Player to watch: Steve Schumacher
Former Everton trainee who joined the club from relegated Bradford City this summer. Will be looking to impress on his home debut. A box to box midfielder who will be looking forward to locking horns with Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool Team News:
Liverpool Team News:
Steve Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Ukrainian Andriy Voronin are expected to feature after being omitted from the 3-2 win at Wrexham last Saturday.
A number of youngsters will also feature including Jack Hobbs, Paul Anderson and Craig Lindfield.
Player to watch: Andriy Voronin
Andriy Voronin is expected to make his Liverpool debut after joining on a free transfer from German club Bayer Leverkusen.
The Ukranian has played 44 times for his country and scored 5 goals.
Match Facts & Stats
The two sides met before the start of last season. Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal by youth team player Craig Lindfield
Ref Watch:
Referee: Scott Mathieson
Assistant Referees: Stephen Pardoe & Mark Keywood
Fourth Official: Paul Norris
Match Prediction:
Crewe 2-4 Liverpool
Next Fixtures:
Wednesday 18th August
Alsager v Crewe 19.30
Quorn v Crewe 19.45