Crewe v Walsall preview

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Defender Alan Tate is Crewe’s latest injury concern ahead of the visit of Walsall to Cheshire.

The on-loan Swansea man was forced off in the first half of the midweek draw at Peterborough with an ankle injury, with the Alex awaiting news on a scan he undertook to determine how bad it is, although boss Steve Davis admits it does not look good.

The Railwaymen were without forward Ryan Colclough and midfielder Chris Atkinson (both ankle) in midweek but it is hoped they can return, but the contest looks like coming too soon for Jamie Ness (muscle pull).

Ben Garratt (broken leg) and Matt Tootle (ankle) are both hopeful of returning to a squad before the season comes to a conclusion.

Walsall have no injury worries, with boss Dean Smith able to pick from a full squad for almost the first time this season.

The Saddlers beat Crawley 5-0 on Tuesday to all but guarantee survival in League One with Smith now targeting the top 10.

They had scored just three goals in their previous eight games and go to Crewe seven points above the bottom four.

Tom Bradshaw is set to continue to lead the line after suffering no reaction to his return from a hamstring problem.

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Crewe v Walsall preview

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Alex boss Steve Davis is banking on Ryan Colclough and Matt Tootle both being available this weekend.

Highly-rated teenage forward Colclough missed the draw with Peterborough due to a combination of a chest infection and a bruised hip. Davis revealed the 18-year-old, who scored both goals in the Alex’s only win to date in the league against Tranmere, is over the former ailment and does not expect his hip to trouble him too much.

Full-back Tootle incurred what Davis termed an “unusual” injury when he received a dead leg on his hamstring, however he is also likely to feature.

Goalkeeper Alan Martin (hip) will miss another week so Steve Phillips should continue between the sticks, while Mathias Pogba (knee) is still in the early stages of his rehabilitation.

The Saddlers boast a virtually fully-fit squad as they aim to end a five-match winless sequence.

Reserve goalkeeper Shane Lewis is the only absentee having been unavailable for the last four matches due to an ankle injury, although he is making good progress in his recovery.

That means Liam Roberts will continue to provide back-up for number one Richard O’Donnell, who has started all eight of the Saddlers’ matches this season.

Walsall, who get back to action following 11 days without a game, won their opening three matches of the campaign but have struggled to continue that fine form.

Crewe v Walsall preview

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Crewe will field an entirely homegrown XI.

Boss Steve Davis revealed his intentions after the 1-0 win against Sheffield United which ended the club’s four-match losing streak that had followed their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final win.

With Alex unable to finish higher than their current position – barring a 22-goal swing between Notts County and themselves – Davis will take the opportunity to showcase the latest batch of young prospects.

However, only goalkeeper Ben Garrett is expected to make his debut, with a number of graduates already first-team regulars.

Defenders Harry Davis and Kelvin Mellor and striker Ajay Leitch-Smith are expected to retain their places in the team, while skipper Luke Murphy hopes to shake off a groin problem to lead the side

The likes of George Ray, Matt Tootle, Ollie Turton and Max Clayton could be called on to play.

Walsall manager Dean Smith will hand a late fitness test to Andy Taylor.

The defender has missed his side’s last two matches with a hamstring problem but he could be ready in time to play some part at the weekend.

Captain Andy Butler has a broken toe and will definitely miss out again.

Smith has no fresh injury or suspension problems and could be tempted to shuffle his pack.

The Saddlers, who sit eighth in the league table, are unable to finish in the play-off positions following last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bury and other results going against them.

This clash could be a good opportunity for Smith to give experience to some younger players.