Alex aiming to sting Bees again

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Steve Davis was expecting another tough encounter as Crewe Alexandra travel to the capital to take on Brentford this weekend.

"They are at home and will be smarting a bit after losing in the week" - Steve Davis

The Alex registered their first league win of the season in midweek as AJ Leitch-Smith and Luke Murphy were both on target in a 2-1 triumph at Scunthorpe United. At the same time, Brentford were crashing 3-1 at home to Yeovil Town. Former Crewe striker Clayton Donaldson grabbed their consolation.

But that defeat has left the visitors expecting an even sterner challenge as their opponents look to make immediate amends in front of their own supporters - a fact the Crewe boss readily concedes.

"It will be another tough game at Brentford," Davis admitted to Crewe's official website. "They are at home and will be smarting a bit after losing in the week. It does make a difference begin at home because the players feel more comfortable but when you are at home the pressure is on you to get a result."

He added: "We go there without too much pressure on us and I suppose that will be the case for the majority of our away games at this level because we are the infants of the league."

The Railwaymen must check on the fitness of strikers Leitch-Smith and on loan Harry Bunn ahead of the contest. Leitch-Smith is currently suffering with a groin injury and Bunn collected a sore calf on his midweek debut. But both appear to have a decent chance of recovering in time.

Defender Matt Tootle is also back in training following a groin injury but won't yet be risked this weekend.

Striker Paul Hayes could be involved for the hosts after recently joining them from Charlton Athletic, although that would probably be from the bench as he is still rather short of match fitness.

Harlee Dean may also return in defence after missing out in midweek, but midfielder Jake Reeves is suspended.

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