Crewe Alexandra have a brief respite from Sky Bet League Two action this evening when they host League One outfit Fleetwood Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The Alex lost out at Gresty Road at the first round stage last season to Bolton Wanderers. Chris Porter had Crewe ahead, but two goals in the final 20 minutes from the Trotters capped a 2-1 away victory.
Extra time has been abolished from the Carabao Cup for 2018/19. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes this evening, the game will go straight to penalties.
Date: Tuesday 14 August 2018
Competition: Carabao Cup
Venue: Alexandra Stadium
Previous Meeting At Host Club: Crewe 1-1 Fleetwood (December 2015)
Referee: Trevor Kettle (PL 1, 3 YC, 0 RC)
Crewe: Dave Artell has been boosted by the news that Shaun Miller has returned to training in time for the meeting with the Cod Army. However, Chris Porter & George Ray are unlikely to be risked after missing the trip to Newport with injury.
As mentioned above, Crewe's participation in the Carabao Cup ended at the first round stage last season, but victory was tasted at this stage in 2016/17. Crewe went to Sheffield United & won 2-1 after extra time thanks to a brace from Ryan Lowe - the equaliser to take the game to an extra half an hour coming in the 89th minute.
Click here to read Dave Artell's pre-match thoughts
Fleetwood: The Sky Bet League One side come to Crewe having picked up their first victory under new Manager Joey Barton on Saturday. That 2-0 success away at Oxford United came after a 1-0 home defeat on the opening day to AFC Wimbledon.
The Cod Army also lost out in the first round of last year's competition. Then of Carlisle United, striker Shaun Miller was on the score sheet for the Cumbrians as they won 2-1 after extra time in Fleetwood.
Live Video/Audio: The match IS NOT available on iFollow for live streaming in the UK
The match IS NOT available on iFollow for live streaming overseas.
The match IS available on iFollow for live audio commentary universally.
Click here to log in or to subscribe to iFollow for just £4.49 per month.
Click here for more information on iFollow.
Live Text Updates: Follow @crewealexfc on Twitter for regular in game updates from an hour before KO when the team news drops, right through to the full-time whistle & beyond.
Keep an eye on crewealexofficial on Facebook (click here) for major match updates. Both social media services are free of charge.