Less than a month after his £2.25million departure, Nicky Maynard is set to face Crewe in the Carling Cup 2nd Round on Tuesday night. The 21 year old won’t be alone on his return neither with Alex legend Dele Adebola likely to make an appearance too. The pair now make up Bristol City’s forward line in the Championship and have helped fire the Robins to third in the league after three games.
For others it’s a view into what could have been – and I suppose what a lucky escape they had. City’s Jamie McCombe, Liam Fontaine and Brian Wilson all rejected a move to Crewe in favour of the West Country.
It all adds a little much needed spice into what could otherwise be a pretty dull Cup game, but whilst we’d all rather be picking up three points on Tuesday night, a trip to one of the ‘big boys’ wouldn’t be bad neither.
Maynard Speaks
Nicky Maynard told Radio Bristol…
‘I couldn’t have asked for a better tie to be honest, and hopefully I’ll come out a winner.
‘I haven’t thought about whether I’ll celebrate if I score, we’ll just have to wait and see.’
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Calvin Zola and Eugen Bopp are ‘available’ but unlikely to get the nob. Billy Jones however is a doubt with a stiff neck (one of those poor excuse of an injury) and it could mean a debut for new signing Scott McManus at left back.
However, reading between the lines, a unchanged side would be a likely outcome. One major plus for Holland will be the ability to name seven substitutes for the Cup game.
Player to watch: Joel Grant
Impressed everyone watching with his display against Walsall. Is he about to justify the £130,000 fee that so many scoffed at in the summer?
Bristol City Team News:
Chris Weale is to start in goal for City having impressed in his previous two outings this season before being dropped at the weekend.
Louis Carey and Andy Webster are doubts with head injuries whilst Marvin Elliott, Jordan Walker, Christian Ribeiro and Jamie McCombe are ruled out.
Player to watch: Nicky Maynard
We know what he can do. Let’s just hope he has an off day.
Possible Line-Ups
Crewe
Collis, Jones, Baudet, O’Donnell, Woodards, Moore, O’Connor, Bailey, Grant, Elding, Pope
Bristol City
Weale, Orr, Fontaine, Carey, McAllister, Wilson, Skuse, Johnson, McIndoe, Maynard, Adebola.
Match Prediction:
A rather depressing Crewe 0-3 Bristol City.
Next Fixtures:
Crewe face Hereford away this Saturday.