Crewe vs Notts County Team News

Ashley Westwood is to return to the starting line up but Calvin Zola is once more ruled out of action.

Golden boy Westwood has recovered from an ear infection that kept him out of last weekends trip to Torquay United. The young midfielder is coming off the back of good form which has seen him net three goals in his previous five appearances.

Westy has been the shining light of the Alex's season so far and is expected to go straight back into the Alex midfield tomorrow when Notts County visit Gresty Road.

Dario has also not ruled out a possible recall to the starting line up for midfielder Luke Murphy. Murphy impressed in his brief appearance off the bench at Torquay last week.

Murphy would likely come in in place of Byron Moore. Moore is facing up to five weeks out of action after a wreckless tackle from a Torquay defender caused ankle ligament damage at the weekend.

Meanwhile, as reported on Vital Crewe earlier today, Calvin Zola has been ruled out of the game. A reoccurrence of a previous ankle injury means Zola 'isn't 100%' and so Dario will stick with his forward line of Donaldson and Miller.

Also reported earlier this week was that loanee Chris Stokes will remain in at left back. The Bolton defender arrived on a month's loan a week ago, making his debut against Torquay, to cover for the injured Matt Tootle.

Whilst Tootle has recovered from his dead leg injury Dario felt that Stokes did enough to keep his place in the side.

The visitors Notts County meanwhile have been dealt a blow. Top scorer Lee Hughes has received a two match suspension after picking up his 10th booking of the season against Bournemouth on Monday. The former West Brom striker already has 26 goals to his name this season.

Ade Akinbiyi, Delroy Facey and Karl Hawley will all be in contention to replace Hughes so Notts are clearly not sure on quality up front.

Stephen Hunt is struggling with an ankle injury whilst our old friend Luke Rodgers is sick with the flu. Shame.

County's only other doubt is Neal Bishop after the midfielder picked up a ankle knock during their match on Monday evening.

Notts boss Steve Cotterill meanwhile is hoping to get back on track. After four straight wins without conceding in his first four matches as County manager, the former Stoke boss saw his side chuck away a two-one lead against Bournemouth on Monday, drawing 2-2.

Currently sitting third in the table a win tomorrow is vital if County are to hold off the chasing pack with the likes of Bury, Chesterfield and Rotherham breathing down their necks.

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