PREVIEW: Crewe v Luton

Crewe will be looking to bounce back following awful performances against Bournemouth and Southend.

Vital Quotes:

The Alex are in desperate need of a victory against Kevin Blackwell’s (pictured) Luton who have been poor on their travels this season. Failure to beat Luton could see us move in to the relegation zone come 5pm.

Luton had an excellent 4-1 win against local rivals Northampton on Monday night and will be looking to build on this impresive result.

Crewe Alexandra Team News:

Steve Schumacher has returned to training and should be fit to resume in the centre of midfield. Striker Tom Pope (Hamstring) is a major doubt.

George Abbey could replace Billy Jones and loan signing Simon Church should be included in the squad after joining on a month’s loan from Reading. Shaun Miller is also pressing for a recall.

Player to watch: Ben Williams

Much critcised in the early parts of the season and will be looking to make ammends following an awful showing at Southend last time out.

Luton Town Team News:

Ben Alnwick on loan from Spurs will return after missing the game against Northampton because of international duty. Sam Parkin, Paul Underwood and Paul Peschisolido are all ruled out but Dave Edwards and Chris Coyne are pushing for a recall

Player to watch: Darren Currie

Scored an excellent goal in the last match and of course is a player much admired by our Technical Director Dario Gradi. A tricky winger with an eye for goal, give him space and he will provide plenty of crosses for the lively Paul Furlong.

Match Facts & Stats

Results Last season:

None

Form Guide: (League)

Crewe – L-L-D-L-D-L = 2PTS

Luton – W-D-D-L-W-L = 8PTS

Betting:

Crewe 6/4
Draw 9/4
Luton 6/4

Ref Watch:

Eddie Ilderton will take charge of the match.

The Tyne & Wear ref is no stranger to Gresty Road. Last season he refereed the amazing 4-3 win over Gillingham, where Varney and O’Donnell claimed two last minute goals for the win.

He’s actually refereed a game at Gresty Road in each of his five seasons as a Football League referee, handing out on average two yellow cards and no reds.

His history with Luton isn’t quite as long. He’s refereed just one Luton match, their home 1-0 win against Colchester in the 03-04 League One season.

This season he has refereed 11 games, including three Championship games. Ilderton has handed out 24 yellow cards and just the one red.

Match Prediction:

Crewe 1-2 Luton

Next Fixtures:

Saturday 27th October

Cheltenham v Crewe
Luton v Nottingham Forest