Crewe host Millwall as both sides play out their remaining fixture before next season’s assault on League One. Both sides appear keen to give youngsters a chance in the fixture, which should give meaning to an otherwise unimportant game.
Crewe Team News:
Crewe are set to make numerous changes to the side that lost 1-0 at Elland Road. There are a couple of enforced changes, with Darren Moss and Gareth Taylor picking up injuries during training this week. Billy Jones will replace Moss at left back, with Michael Higdon instead partnering Eddie Johnson up front. Ross Turnbull’s recall to Middlesbrough means that Stuart Tomlinson will make his first league start for Crewe, and Madjid Bougherra won’t play due to contractual uncertainties – his place will go to Chris McCready. Jon Otsemobor is also a doubt with a bug, so Paul Bignot may feature instead. Should Semmy fail to recover, Crewe’s line up could consist entirely of academy produced players, although Luke Varney is expected to begin on the right of midfield, who began his career at Quorn. Youngsters Michael O’Connor and Nicky Maynard will play 45 minutes, and are expected to come on at half time. Tony Grant remains out through injury, as do Richard Walker and Anthony Tonkin. Steve Jones isn’t expected to feature with reports suggesting that the forward is expecting to sign for Burnley sooner rather than later.
Player to watch: Kenny Lunt
Sunday’s game could be Kenny Lunt’s 406th and final appearance in a Crewe shirt. Lunt has scored 35 goals for Crewe, though he has had a hand in creating countless numbers of goals. Lunty has been in excellent form in recent months and with 9 assists, Lunt is one of the leading assistsmen in the division. Many still harbour hopes that Lunt will remain at Crewe, though the financial allure of many clubs may prove too great to resist.
Millwall Team News:
Millwall caretaker boss Alan McLeary is likely to keep faith with his side that won last weekend. That side was comprised largely of youth players, with an average age of just 21. Alan Dunne, Barry Hayles, Josh Simpson, Jody Morris and David Livermore are out for the Lions.
Player to watch: Marvin Williams
The pacey youngster has 5 goals in 23 appearances this season, though only 9 of those were starts.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Time Out: Crewe came away 3-1 victors from The Den following a Steve Jones brace and well placed header from Gary Roberts. Barry Hayles scored a penalty for Millwall. Millwall fans protested for their chairman and board to be sacked following the game.
The two sides have met 22 times, with Crewe winning 10, Millwall winning 7 and 5 of the meetings ending as draws.
Millwall’s Leading Goalscorer: Ben May – 9
Millwall’s Leading Assistsman: Alan Dunne – 4
Crewe’s Leading Goalscorer: Billy Jones – 8
Crewe’s Leading Assistsman: Steve Jones – 12
Millwall have received 13 red cards this season, more than any other club.
Crewe have the best disciplinary record in the Football League this season.
Ref Watch:
Graham Salisbury
Match Prediction:
Crewe 3-1 Millwall
great match today, shame you cant play them every week, that would be fun!