Crewe travel to Swansea looking to get back on track following Saturday’s defeat at Yeovil. Dario will be keen to ensure the attraction of Crewe’s plum draw against Man Utd – still nearly a month away – doesn’t distract from the team’s performances in the league. However, both sides have numerous injury concerns.
Swansea currently lie 10th in the table, but have perhaps been disappointing given their pre-season hype. Swansea come into the game on the back of successive defeats, so will be keen to get back to winning ways.
Swansea Team News:
Swansea boss Kenny Jackett has numerous injury concerns ahead of tonight’s game. Defenders Kevin Austin and Kevin Amankwaah and striker Adebayo Akinfenwa are all doubtful, whilst Lee Trundle, Owain Tudur-Jones and Garry Monk are all out injured.
Player to watch: Leon Knight
The small forward has begun the season well, scoring 6 goals in total – leaving him joint top of the goalscoring charts in the league.
Crewe Team News:
Crewe also have several injury worries ahead of tonight’s game. Jon Otsemobor, Rodney Jack and Michael O’Connor are definitely out of tonight’s trip, giving an opportunity to some of the squad’s forgotten men. Darren Moss will make a comeback in place of Jon Otsemobor, whilst Ben Rix will replace Michael O’Connor in the centre of midfield. Rodney Jack’s place could go to Ryan Lowe, Luke Rodgers, Michael Higdon or Danny O’Donnell. Should O’Donnell be given the nod, it would signal a return to our sweeper formation. Elsewhere, Nicky Maynard is a doubt, whilst Lee Bell, Lee Matthews, Tony Grant and Paul Bignot remain out.
Player to watch: Luke Varney
The striker has been in excellent form in recent weeks, and is beginning to develop as previously hoped. Varney’s 2 goals this season have been of value, though his main contribution has come in the form of his 5 assists.
Match Facts & Stats
Head to Head: In the 26 meetings between the sides, Crewe have won 9, lost 11 and drawn 6. However, at Swansea, Crewe have won just three times, losing 9 and drawing 1 of the 13 games.
Recent Meetings:
95/96 Swansea 2-1 Crewe
95/96 Crewe 4-1 Swansea
94/95 Swansea 0-1 Crewe
94/95 Crewe 1-2 Swansea
Crewe’s Top Goalscorer: Nicky Maynard – 8
Crewe’s Leading Assistsman: Luke Varney – 5
Swansea’s Top Goalscorer: Leon Knight – 6
Swansea’s Leading Assistsman: 8 players – 1
Swansea have won just 2 of their last 10 home games
Crewe are currently 3rd in the form table, Swansea are 9th
Ref Watch:
P Taylor
Match Prediction:
Swansea 3-1 Crewe