Crewe v Sheffield Utd preview

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Crewe will continue to be without captain Luke Murphy as they prepare to host Sheffield United.

Murphy has missed the last three games with a groin problem and now faces a race against time to prove his fitness before the end of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Steve Phillips reclaimed his starting place for the 1-0 defeat at Yeovil on Saturday and is set to continue at the expense of Alan Martin.

Manager Steve Davis made three further changes for the Glovers clash with Abdul Osman making an immediate return to the first XI following a two-match ban and Bradden Inman and Ajay Leitch-Smith recalled.

Oliver Turton, Michael West and Kevin Stewart were the men to make way while Mark Ellis recovered from his ankle problem to retain his starting spot.

Adam Dugdale has returned to training following compassionate leave but will not feature while Mathias Pogba (thigh) and defender Gregor Robertson (Achilles) are ruled out for the season.

Tony McMahon has been ruled out due to an on-going Achilles problem, but fellow defender Harry Maguire is back from suspension.

Right-back McMahon is scheduled to have an injection to enable him to play in the play-offs and is unlikely to feature in next Saturday’s last match against Preston.

Darryl Westlake replaced McMahon during the weekend defeat at Portsmouth and is expected to start at Gresty Road.

Centre-half Maguire sat out Saturday’s setback due to his dismissal for two yellow card offences in the recent home draw with Brentford.

The Blades have no other new injury or suspension worries and with nothing riding on their game in hand, manager Chris Morgan could hand starts to several teenagers such as midfield pair Callum McFadzean and Elliott Whitehouse, striker Joe Ironside and defender Terry Kennedy.