Crewe V Doncaster at The Alexandra Stadium : Match Preview

12 April 2013 14:01
Crewe V Doncaster - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Phillips worry for Alex

Goalkeeper Steve Phillips is a major doubt as Crewe prepare to host npower League One leaders Doncaster.

Phillips suffered a dead-leg during the first half of Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat at Brentford and was replaced by Alan Martin, who is ready to deputise once more.

Skipper Luke Murphy came off after an hour against the Bees as he continues to nurse the after-effects of a groin injury and will be assessed ahead of kick-off, along with full-back Kelvin Mellor (toe).

Murphy's central midfield partner Abdul Osman must begin a two-match suspension having collected 10 bookings this season.

Chuks Aneke returned to the bench having started last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Southend at Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and the on-loan Arsenal attacking midfielder will push for a place in the first XI once more.

Defender Adam Dugdale remains absent on compassionate leave, while top scorer Mathias Pogba (thigh) is out for the remainder of the campaign.

Doncaster have problems at right-back as they travel to Gresty Road.

Andy Griffin is nursing a sore lower back and upper thigh following the 2-0 home defeat to Carlisle on Tuesday night and is rated at 50/50 to make this game.

And with Paul Quinn unlikely to play again this season due to injury, Rovers boss Brian Flynn could be forced to field a makeshift full-back against the Alex.

Left-back James Husband, centre-half Liam Wakefield and winger James Coppinger are options for Flynn should Griffin miss out.

It would be a first change to the starting line-up in four matches.

Dave Syers is still struggling with an ankle injury but he will be checked, while fellow midfielders Martin Woods (calf) and Paul Keegan (thigh) may not recover in time to feature again this term.

Source: PA