Crewe prepare for big challenge

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Crewe Alexandra face probably their sternest challenge of the season to date when visiting second-placed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this evening.

"Hopefully if something drops at Sheffield United we will be in a better frame of mind to take those chances" - Steve Davis

Manager Steve Davis is likely to rely on the side narrowly defeated by Shrewsbury Town at the weekend. Defender Kelvin Mellor (knee) and AJ Leitch-Smith (ankle) remain out but teenager Max Clayton is pressing for a recall.

Davis has already confirmed he is unlikely to add to his squad ahead of the loan transfer deadline on Thursday. He does though expect to see improvement in front of goal from those already in the side.

"We need our forward players to threaten the goal more and take those chances," he explained to Crewe's official website. "That is what we have done this week, working on our crossing and shooting and hopefully if something drops at Sheffield United we will be in a better frame of mind to take those chances."

The Blades will probably themselves name an unchanged side with former Crewe marksman Shaun Miller keeping his place following his weekend brace on his full league debut.

Fellow striker Dave Kitson (hamstring), Tony McMahon and Matt Hill (both hamstring), Mark Howard (thigh) and Lecsinel Jean-Francois (knee) are currently sidelined.

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