Swindon v Crawley preview

admin

Swindon could be boosted by the return of Massimo Luongo when they tackle Crawley.

Their Australian international missed last weekend’s loss at Scunthorpe with a groin strain and is rated as touch and go for Saturday’s County Ground clash.

But boss Mark Cooper, who says he will not risk Luongo if the midfielder is not ready, has no other injury or suspension worries as they look to get back to winning ways.

That 3-1 away defeat to the Iron meant Swindon had lost back-to-back matches for the first time this season having been beaten by Oldham just four days previously.

Crawley have a defensive crisis with three centre-halves ruled out.

Darren Ward cannot play under the terms of his loan deal from the hosts, Joe Walsh is halfway through a three-match ban and Dean Leacock has suffered a setback in his recovery from a groin problem.

Right-back Lanre Oyebanjo is doubtful with a hamstring injury while goalkeeper Brian Jensen (thumb), midfielders Conor Henderson (ankle) and Josh Simpson (hamstring) and striker Matt Harrold (ankle) are set to miss out again.

But recent signing Mathias Pogba is expected to recover from the dead leg which forced him off during Saturday’s 5-1 win over Barnsley.

Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club – delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts

Swindon v Crawley preview

admin

Swindon will be boosted by the return of two defenders when they host Crawley.

Mark Cooper’s squad has been severely stretched in recent weeks but while Jay McEveley and Nathan Thompson will return from suspension against the Reds the former Peterborough boss will be without plenty of first-team regulars.

Ryan Mason suffered a relapse of an ankle injury just hours after returning to full fitness and he joins Nile Ranger, (hamstring) Grant Hall, (calf) Louis Thompson (ankle) and Alex Pritchard (medial ligament strain) on the sidelines while Dany N’Guessan’s groin injury meant he was only fit enough to make the bench in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Leyton Orient.

And the Robins medical staff will assess goalkeeper’s Wes Foderingham’s hip and groin after he had to be withdrawn minutes before kick-off, handing a full league debut to Tyrell Belford who will deputise again if Foderingham is ruled out.

Crawley will be without Billy Clarke when they head to Swindon.

Striker Clarke was sent off for collecting two yellow cards during Saturday’s 2-1 win at Walsall and starts as two-match ban as it was his second red card of the season.

Jamie Proctor or recent signing Rory Fallon could partner Matt Tubbs up front in Clarke’s absence while winger Sergio Torres should replace him in the squad having dropped out at the weekend.

Fallon and fellow new recruits Paul Connolly, Hiram Boateng and Sullay Kaikai were all on the bench on Saturday and will be hoping to make their debuts at some point.

Swindon v Crawley preview

admin

Swindon midfielder Gary Roberts faces a late fitness test.

Roberts, who has yet to make his Robins debut because of a calf injury, has missed the first two games of the new season.

Paolo Di Canio said he would make a late decision on former skipper Paul Caddis ahead of Saturday’s draw with Hartlepool.

The defender did not travel north with the squad because of the on-going spat with Di Canio and could miss out again.

Joe Devera is favourite to continue in his absence but Nathan Thompson provides further options for the Italian should Caddis be left out.

Striker James Collins could be brought in to freshen up the attack if drawing a blank against Pools.

Crawley have no new injury worries.

Boss Richie Barker named an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday’s League One opener against Scunthorpe following the penalty shoot-out heroics at Millwall, and was rewarded with a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Right-back Paul Connolly limped off during the Capital One Cup game at The Den but was able to start against the Iron and came through unscathed.

Kyle McFadzean and Claude Davis, who both signed new contracts on Friday, will continue at centre-half.

Barker does have one selection dilemma, however, after on-loan Southampton striker Jonathan Forte scored within six minutes of making his debut as a substitute on Saturday.

Fellow new signing Nicky Ajose will be on the bench again.

Swindon v Crawley preview

admin

Swindon boss Danny Wilson will assess the fitness of goalkeeper Phil Smith ahead of the FA Cup clash against Crawley.

Smith was withdrawn in the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday due to an arm injury and with David Lucas performing well as his replacement, the 32-year-old could be set for a start.

Midfielder Jonathan Douglas returned from a groin injury on Saturday, and is set to lead the side out again with Michael Timlin likely to take his place on the bench.

Millwall loanee Andy Frampton returned to the bench for the win over Wednesday, and is challenging Scott Cuthbert and Sean Morrison for a starting berth at the heart of the Robins’ defence.