Crewe face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow in what is a must-win fixture as they seek to gain ground on the Owls in the relegation battle. Wednesday are 8 points clear of Crewe and have a superior goal difference, with just 5 games left. Defeat would all but relegate Crewe, though even a win would leave the Alex with an uphill task as they attempt to regain ground on their opponents.
Crewe Team News:
Dario Gradi is expected to name an unchanged side for the seventh consecutive game. Despite coming off the bench to score the decisive goal, David Vaughan may not have done enough to displace Steve Jones, whose pace was problematic for QPR’s defence last weekend. There had been fears over the fitness of back up keeper Stuart Tomlinson, though he has recovered sufficiently from a slight groin strain to sit on the bench. Michael Higdon will miss out with an ankle injury, meaning his place on the bench is likely to go to youngster Michael O’Connor. Eddie Johnson has a back problem and is unlikely to make the bench, though Gary Roberts may have a better chance of making the bench after coming through a youth game last weekend. Ben Williams and Juan Ugarte remain out, whilst Justin Cochrane is in the Gillingham squad for the last fixture before he returns to Crewe.
Player to watch: Kenny Lunt
The midfielder has been in imperious form in recent weeks, and has been paramount to Crewe’s mini-revival. Should Lunty be allowed to dictate the game as he did last time out at Gresty Road, Crewe may well take away all 3 points.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
Sheffield Wednesday have had an injury-plagued season, though some of their long-term absentees are beginning to return. Jon-Paul McGovern, so instrumental in their promotion from League 1, made a substitute appearance last week, and his balanced game may earn him a place in midfield. However, on loan defender Mikkel Bischoff is definitely out through injury, as are Richard Wood and Peter Gilbert, which will mean recalls for either Lee Bullen, Patrick Collins or Drissa Diallo. On-loan Scott Carson will continue in goal.
Player to watch: Chris Brunt
The midfielder leads the way for Wednesday both in terms of goals and assists. The Northern Ireland international has 4 assists and 7 goals this season, and will be looking to improve that tally from the left of midfield tomorrow. Brunt has had the 7th most shots of any player in the division this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Time Out: In what may prove a very costly result for Crewe, goals from Richard Wood, debutant Marcus Tudgay and a Chris McCready own goal ensured Sheffield Wednesday went away 3-0 winners.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Top Goalscorer: Chris Brunt – 7
Sheffield Wednesday’s Top Assistsman: Chris Brunt – 4
Crewe’s Top Goalscorer: Billy Jones – 8
Crewe’s Top Assistsman: Steve Jones – 11
Both sides have taken 8 points from their last 6 games.
Sheffield Wednesday have used the 3rd most players in the league this season – 37.
In the 10 meetings between the sides, Crewe have won twice, there have been 3 draws whilst Sheffield Wednesday have won 5 times.
Ref Watch:
C Penton
Match Prediction:
Crewe 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
good luck against the owls.
two gareth taylor screamers could see the crewtons scraping their way out of the relegation fight!