Notts County Preview

Crewe take on the controversial Notts County at Gresty Road tomorrow afternoon. Whilst our season is all but finished, Steve Cotterill's men are in the hunt for automatic promotion.

Steve Cotterill:

'We know that this weekend is going to be a tough game because we know that they can score goals.

'We want to take the game to the opposition but if we have to defend, we'll defend.

'The players are determined to do well and I think that if you can get yourself a bunch of self motivated players it's like winning the lottery.'

nottscountyfc.co.uk

Dario Gradi:

'I spent some time with Steve when we did our pro-licence course together. We were in regular contact and it was a good experience.

'He spoke to me on a couple of occasions about possible jobs and asked for my opinion but I haven't spoken to him for a while and it will be good to catch up with him again.

'They have Lee Hughes out but that won't affect them too much with the squad they have. They have strength in depth and missing one player never affects you that much.'

crewealex.net

Calvin Zola is ruled out. The club's top scorer has suffered problems with his ankle all week and so Dario as ruled him out.

Young midfielder Ashley Westwood will return to action after recovering from an ear infection that forced him out of last weekend's game.

Loanee left back Chris Stokes will keep his place in the side despite the fitness of Matt Tootle.

Byron Moore is ruled out for five weeks after damaging ankle ligaments last weekend.

Possible line up: Phillips, Stokes, O'Donnell, Mitchel-King, Brayford, Grant, Westwood, Bailey, Murphy, Donaldson, Miller.

If his recent performances are anything to go by then Westy is our real match winner out on the pitch tomorrow. Let's hope that ear infection hasn't taken too much out of him.

Notts will also have to be aware of Clayton Donaldson who seems to have found his scoring boots this month.

The biggest blow for County is the news that Lee Hughes is suspended for two matches after picking up his 10th booking of the campaign on Monday.

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.

Midfielder Neal Bishop is also a doubt with Jamie Clapham waiting in the wings to replace him if he fails to prove his fitness.

Defender Stephen Hunt is nursing an ankle injury and is also a doubt.

Former Alex striker Luke Rodgers has been hit with the flu and could join Hughes on the sidelines.

Possible line up:

If he gets over his flu (cold) then he will no doubt be keen to stick one or two past the Alex. Again.

Kasper Schmeichel saved a Steve Schumacher penalty in a frustrating 2-0 defeat at Notts County.

Darren Sheldrake will officiate tomorrow's match. The Surrey born referee is in his first season as a Football League referee and tomorrow will be his first time refereeing Crewe. So far this season he has handed out 43 yellows and 2 reds in 20 games. He will be assisted by Danny Roberts and Peter Wright. Andy Newell is the fourth official

An optimistic 3-3.

Disinfectant at the ready. Crewe face a trip to Port Vale on Saturday 27th March.

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