OPPOSITION REPORT: Crewe Alexandra v Swindon Town

The Chalkboard

Crewe have a lot of similarities to Mark Cooper’s side when it comes to the way they play.

Like Swindon they set up in a 3-5-2 formation with two wing-backs and Steve Davis likes his team to play the ball on the floor.

With 6’2” Marcus Haber up front they have the option to go long to the big target man but that is usually a plan b.

However the pitch may prove to be an issue for both sides and scupper the chance of the match being kind on the eye.

With the large Air Products Stand the pitch struggles to get much light and there appears to be more sand than grass covering the surface.

Likely Line-Up

A Man In Form: Jamie Ness

Jamie Ness could prove vital if Crewe are to create an upset  this weekend.

The 23-year-old is on loan at Gresty Road from their Staffordshire neighbours Stoke City.

He joined in August and last month extended his deal until the end of the season after impressing in Steve Davis’ side.

Nicky Ajose may have scored eight goals for Crewe but Ness is the man who provides the balls for the former Town striker and their partnership has been key in keeping Crewe out of the relegation places.

He is a midfield player who is good on the ball and if he doesn’t play well Crewe do not tend to create many chances so keeping him quiet might be key for Town.

Treatment Room

Ben Garratt is the biggest casualty for Crewe Alexandra ahead of the weekend.

The 20-year-old is out for the rest of the season with a fractured shin bone.

The keeper was forced to go off in the second half of last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Barnsley with veteran goalie Paul Rachubka making his debut for the club.

Defender Matt Tootle, the club captain, has been out since October for Crewe, with illness and injury.

Lauri Dalla Valle is also a doubt for the hosts after picking up a knock to his back against Doncaster, as well as Jon Guthrie and Chris Atkinson who have knee injuries but played in a reserve game this week.

The Form Guide

Sat, Feb 7
SKYBET LEAGUE 1 
3-2 win v 
Colchester (A)

Tues, Feb 10
SKYBET LEAGUE 1
1-0 win v
Yeovil (H)

Sat, Feb 14
SKYBET LEAGUE 1
2-0 Win v 
Fleetwood (H)

Tue, Feb 17
SKYBET LEAGUE 1 
2-1 defeat v 
Doncaster (A)

Sat, Feb 21
SKYBET LEAGUE 1
2-0 defeat v 
Barnsley(A)

Top Goalscorers

Nicky AJose: 8
Marcus Haber: 5 
George Cooper: 3

Discipline

George Ray: 5Y, 2R
Anthony Grant: 7Y
Jamie Ness: 3Y

The Stat

Swindon have not claimed victory at Crewe since April 2003