Alex chasing Capital returns

<div style='background-color: #FF0000;'><a href='http://www.rsspump.com/?web_widget/rss_ticker/news_widget' title='News Widget'>News Widget</a></div>

Crewe Alexandra will be aiming to pull off a major shock when visiting Premier League West Ham United in the Capital One Cup this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

"It is an opportunity to play without too much pressure on us" - Steve Davis

The Alex crashed 5-1 in the capital against Brentford at the weekend and manager Steve Davis will be expecting a far different performance in opposition to the Hammers at Upton Park.

Davis is still without the services of experienced goalkeeper Steve Phillips (knee), defender Matt Tootle (hip) and winger Michael West (heel) but could decide on changes from the weekend.

"A cup tie against West Ham is a good game to come into again," Davis told Crewe's official website. "It is an opportunity to play without too much pressure on us and I want them to show what they have done for the majority of the time they have under me as manager."

Hammers counterpart Sam Allardyce appears ready to promote several members of his substitutes bench, having also witnessed his side suffering a comprehensive defeat last time out. Like Crewe, defensive mistakes were very much to the fore as the Premier League newcomers were comfortably defeated 3-0 at Swansea City.

Recent arrivals Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could both be involved for the first time but defender James Collins (groin) is set miss out.

LATEST ON THE VITAL CREWE FORUMS ...

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.