Joyce is likely to be given the nod to replace first-choice stopper Steve Mildenhall, who is out of action for at least a month with an ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Hereford last weekend.

On-loan midfielder Hal Robson-Kanu is set to rejoin parent club Reading after the weekend and may feature against the Alex, while striker Lee Barnard will be hoping to extend his purple patch in front of goal after netting twice in his last four outings.

Tilson opted not to include Franck Moussa in his matchday squad last time out despite the midfielder returning from a three-match ban and it remains to be seen whether the Belgian will be involved against Crewe.

Midfielder Alan McCormack (knee) is closing in on a return to action, but is more likely to come into contention against Leyton Orient next Friday.