Season opens against Hartlepool

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Crewe Alexandra open their season against Hartlepool United in the Capital One Cup first round on Saturday afternoon.

"We're full of confidence going into the season with it being something like 30 games now without defeat" - Steve Davis

Manager Steve Davis is currently waiting on the fitness of striker AJ Leitch-Smith (broken toe) and midfielder Luke Murphy (knee), while goalkeeper Steve Phillips (knee) and defenders Kelvin Mellor(ankle) and Matt Tootle (groin) are definitely out.

However, recent arrival Abdul Osman successfully came through their latest pre-season win against Barnsley and is in line for a start, but fellow newcomer Michael West misses out with a heel injury.

There is also an opportunity to impress for one-time Leeds United goalkeeper Alan Martin in place of the sidelined Phillips.

Davis sees his side going into the new campaign on the back of a long unbeaten run from last season that has also stretched across
their full pre-season programme.

"We're full of confidence going into the season with it being something like 30 games now without defeat, both in the league and in friendlies," Davis told the Crewe & Nantwich Guardian. "If we play like we have shown we can in pre-season, then we will be fine."

Former Hibernian striker Colin Nish (knee) is proving a concern for the visitors alongside the long-serving Ritchie Humphreys (hamstring).

Veteran ex-Leicester City marksman Steve Howard was expected to be given his second debut following his return to the club and fellow newcomers Simon Walton and Jonathan Franks should also feature.

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