Leyton Orient Preview

Crewe welcome top of the table Leyton Orient to the Alexandra Stadium.

'It's not an ideal scenario for them, but Crewe are a side I expect to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season,' Ling told the East London Advertiser.

'They have brought in Chris Dickson on loan from Charlton and are after Lee Barnard from Spurs as well.'

Ling also had a word to say for former Orient defender Billy Jones. Billy played over 70 times for Orient before moving on a free to Exeter in January 2005. Billy then made the £65,000 move to Gresty Road in the summer, and will face his old club for the first time since leaving this Saturday. Ling, though, reckons he's a much improved player since his Brisbane Road days.

'He is a much better defender now than when he was with us.'

Crewe welcome back Ryan Lowe and Eugen Bopp to the squad to face Orient. O'Connor and Moore are back in training but not deemed fit enough for this weekend's encounter. Chris McCready and Nicky Maynard are out with long term injuries.

Likely Team: Williams, Jones, Woodards, Baudet, O'Donnell, Schumacher, Cox, Roberts, Lowe, Dickson, Pope

A fantastic start to the season for 'Gazza'. Scored two in the first game of the season against Brighton and also created the goal for Tom Pope's equaliser at the Memorial Stadium last Saturday.

Leyton Orient be without their captain Stephen Purches as he is struggling with a hamstring injury. Brian Saah faces a late fitness test whilst Jabo Ibhere (Ankle) and Michael Simpson (Hamstring) are ruled out.

Joined in the summer and will be looking to impress at his new club. Scored a late winner in the opening day victory at Southend and also netted in the league cup win at QPR.

Results Last Season:

Leyton Orient 1-1 Crewe
Crewe 0-4 Leyton Orient

Leading Goalscorers:

Crewe: Roberts 2, Pope 1.
Leyton Orient: Boyd 2, Thornton 1, Gray 1, Demetriou 1

The referee for the home game against Leyton Orient this Saturday will be Darren Drysdale from Lincolnshire.

He will be assisted by D Handley and RJ Wigglesworth. The fourth official for the game will be W.D.Smallwood. He officiated in 21 games last season, Darren issued 63 yellows and 5 red cards during the 2006/07 season. He was in charge for our 1-0 win at Bradford in February 2007.

He also took charge of our 2-1 home defeat to Plymouth in January 2006 in which he gave an early dubious penalty to the visitors. Drysdale first match in charge of Crewe was the 4-0 Championship defeat at Sheffield United in March 05.

Crewe 1-0 Leyton Orient

Sat 1st September - Swindon Town (A)
Sat 8th September - Huddersfield (H)

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