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Oh no, it’s the home straight and we’re still not safe. Southend, the form side of the division, visit tomorrow and anything but a win could see the Alex inside the bottom four for the next seven days. As, whilst our match is big, the biggest game of the season is being fought down south. It’s a true clash of the minnows with Millwall playing Gillingham, the teams above and below us in the league. It’s tough to call for Crewe fans, we certainly don’t want a Gillingham win but would a Millwall win be more beneficial than a draw?

Back at Gresty Road, Southend will be looking to take their unbeaten run to ten games. They have won 6 and drawn three of their last nine and sit nicely in the play-offs, on the way seeing off the likes of Leeds, Forest and Walsall.

You’d be nuts to feel confident about this one.

Lee Barnard Says:

‘I really want Crewe to stay up this season and for them to pick up as many points as they can but without wanting to sound too harsh I hope it happens after the weekend, ‘

‘I had a great time at Crewe and it’s an excellent club but I’m a Southend player now and we want to keep on winning and cement a place in the play-offs.

‘I know for a fact we will have to play very well to get the three points. I still keep in touch with a number of the lads at Crewe and the banter has been flying around already. I think we will have to win or I won’t hear the end of it from them!’

Quote Source: crewealex.net

Crewe Alexandra Team News:

Michael O’Connor is ruled out with a groin injury aggravated with three and a half games last week. Schumacher looks set to replace him.

Loanee Steve Jones is out with a back injury.

Dean Morgan is back after missing the trip to Luton. He will face the team played for on loan earlier this season.

Tom Pope is out with a broken toe.

George Abbey is a minor doubt with a ankle injury.

Danny Woodards has recovered from a neck injury that force him off at Luton.

Billy Jones is still a week or two away after setting this target has his return after 4 months out.

Possible team: Ben Williams, Danny Woodards, Chris McCready, Julien Baudet, Patrick Boyle, Kenny Lunt, Gary Roberts, Steve Schumacher, Nicky Maynard, Dean Morgan, Joe Anyinsah.

Player to watch: Nicky Maynard

The goal scorer of the team. If he’s on form then we may have a chance.

Southend Team News:

Damian Scannell is out with a leg injury.

Richie Foran is out with a knee injury.

Hal Robson-Kanu is a doubt with a achilles problem.

Alex Revell could return.

Lee Barnard set to start.

Player to watch: Lee Barnard

Five goals for Southend already, Barney is bound to grab one or two against us.

Match Facts & Stats

The two sides have met 27 times in their history. Crewe have 6 wins to Southend’s 15. There have been six draws.

Ref Watch:

Referee:A Haynes, Assistant Referees: W Barratt & W Trott, Fourth Official: A E Raynor

Match Prediction:

Crewe 0-2 Southend

Next Fixtures:

Yeovil, Away, 12/04/2008.