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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preston 1-2 Crewe