Macclesfield v Crewe preview

Team news for Saturday's League Two clash between Macclesfield Town and Crewe Alexandra at Moss Rose.

Macclesfield are waiting on news of Matt Smith's knee injury as they look to end a 19-match winless run.

The on-loan Oldham striker came off early in the second half of the 1-0 defeat to Port Vale and there were fears he could be out for some time.

However, the injury is not as bad as first feared and Smith could be in line to feature against Alex.

Winger Marcus Marshall recovered from an ankle injury to play against the Valiants and he is likely to retain his starting place.

Elliott Hewitt continues to miss out with a hip problem and fellow defender Paul Morgan's ankle injury will ensure he does not see first-team action again before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Matt Tootle is in contention for Crewe in a match with huge implications at both ends of the League Two table.

The 21-year-old defender missed three matches with a thigh injury and then fell ill just as he was scheduled to return against Bristol Rovers.

He is not guaranteed a start against the relegation-threatened Silkmen, however, as replacement Kelvin Mellor scored against the Pirates in a 3-0 win and earned the man of the match award.

Striker Max Clayton continues to step up his recovery from a foot injury, featuring as a substitute in the Rovers clash.

A 12-match unbeaten run has given the Railwaymen a huge opportunity to climb into the play-off places.