Following a superb display against Coventry, Crewe travel to Deepdale to face an out-of-form Preston. Despite this, Preston remain 6th, two points ahead of 7th place Crystal Palace with a game in hand. Crewe, meanwhile, still need 11 points to overtake Sheffield Wednesday in 21st – with just 7 games in which to do so.
Preston Team News:
Preston have numerous injury concerns ahead of tonight’s game as they look to recover from a poor run of form. Most notably, Dave Nugent remains sidelined meaning that on-loan Marcus Stewart may be handed his debut. Stewart is expected to partner Brett Ormerod and Patrick Agyemang in attack as Billy Davies opts for a 4-3-3. Callum Davidson, Andy Lonergan and Adam Nowland are Preston’s other injury concerns, though Claude Davis is expected to return from a groin problem in time to play. Davis had been expected to partner Youl Mawene in defence, though Mawene has been forced to withdraw with a virus. That means that Crewe’s ex-transfer target Kelvin Wilson makes his debut for the Lillywhites.
Preston line-up (4-3-3): Nash, Alexander, Mears, Davis, Wilson, McKenna, O’Neil, Sedgwick, Ormerod, Agyemang, Stewart. Subs: Ward, Jarrett, Neal, Hibbert, Whaley.
Player to watch: Marcus Stewart
The on-loan striker has an excellent record against Crewe. The 4-3-3 formation could result in more space for a lurking Stewart, so Crewe’s defence will have to be wary of the crafty striker.
Crewe Team News:
Dario Gradi has no new injury concerns for the trip to Preston, meaning that he names the same team for the 5th consecutive game. Tony Grant had been a concern due to fatigue, though the experienced midfielder has come through the two consecutive games well. Gary Roberts remains out with a back injury, whilst Ben Williams and Juan Ugarte have been ruled out for the season. Michael O’Connor, however, once again misses out.
Crewe: Turnbull, Otsemobor, B .Jones, Foster, Bougherra, Bell, S .Jones, Lunt, Grant, Rodgers, Taylor. Subs: Tomlison, Vaughan, McCready, Higdon, Johnson.
Player to watch: Luke Rodgers
Another excellent performance from Rodgers on Saturday was capped with a superb goal. The striker will be pivotal to Crewe’s prospects this evening, with his work-rate and pace problematic for any defence in this league.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Time Out: Preston prevailed 2-1 as goals from Graham Alexander and Chris Sedgwick knocked Crewe out of the FA Cup. Billy Jones had opened the scoring for Crewe.
Preston’s Top Goalscorer: Dave Nugent – 10
Preston’s Top Assistsman: Paul McKenna – 8
Crewe have taken 8 points in the last 6 games and are 10th in the form guide.
Preston have taken 6 points from their last 6 games and are 20th in the form guide.
Preston have the 2nd most clean sheets in division – 19
In the 27 meetings between the sides, Crewe have won 7 times, Preston have won 12 times whilst there have been 8 draws.
Preston have won all of the last 4 meetings between the sides.
Match Prediction:
Preston 1-2 Crewe