Preview: Burton Visit In Leasing.com Opener

Crewe Alexandra host Burton Albion looking to make a positive opening to the 2019/20 Leasing.com Trophy campaign. Click here for the ticket news.

Since winning the first game in the competitions' reshuffle 3-0 at Accrington in 2016, the Alex have won just one further game from a total of nine in the competition - 4-3 at Tranmere Rovers last season.

That record means that Crewe have never progressed from the group stages & Dave Artell will be hoping for a positive start against the Brewers tonight to give them a chance of progressing from the group.

The first game in the Alex's group has already taken place, Mansfield Town & Everton U21s drawing 1-1, with the Toffees' youngsters picking up the bonus point after winning on penalties.

Burton Albion have started the season really well - just like the Alex, winning five of their opening eight games.

Both teams are expected to make changes, but it's set to be a hotly contested game at Gresty Road. Click here to read Dave Artell's thoughts.

if you can't make the match in person, it will be live streamed on iFollow the Alex - meaning you can watch the game on your laptop, tablet or mobile phone from both the UK & abroad. Click here for more information.

Date: Tuesday 3 September 2019

Competition: Leasing.com Trophy Northern Group E

Venue: Alexandra Stadium

Previous Meeting At Host Club: Crewe 1-1 Burton (March 2016)

Referee: Anthony Backhouse

Crewe: After a busy schedule of eight games in August, David Artell could be set to give a number of his fringe players a start to give them a chance to impress in the side.

Dave Richards is set to start in goal with Will Jaaskelainen away on international duty, with Lewis Reilly also absent due to his loan to Telford United.

James Jones, Oliver Finney, Owen Dale, Billy Sass-Davies & Chuma Anene are all pushing for starts amongst others ahead of Saturday's League Two trip to Grimsby Town.

Burton: Liam Boyce (hamstring), Jake Buxton (ribs), Colin Daniel (hamstring) and Nathan Broadhead (hip) are all expected to miss out on the contest.

Nigel Clough may also opt to make some unenforced changes as he too could hand opportunities to other members of his squad ahead of the Brewers' League One match at Sunderland on Saturday.

All the official team news will be published @crewealexfc on Twitter at 6:30pm.

Live Video/Audio: The match IS available on iFollow for live streaming in the UK. Click here to purchase a match pass.

The match IS 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.