Gaffer looks forward to Sunderland trip but admits it's a shame that will be without supporters in attendance.

David Artell believes his Crewe Alexandra side will only be inspired by playing at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light tonight. The Alex boss wants his in-form side to express themselves against one of the biggest clubs outside of the top flight and says they won’t be fazed by the challenge ahead of them.

Of course, it will be considerably different with no supporters inside such an impressive venue and Artell says that it such a shame for the players and supporters alike.

Ahead of our trip to Sunderland, the Alex boss said: “Playing a massive club like Sunderland is why we want to be in League One and why we want to stay in League One. We would want games like this every week if we could.

“I think that playing inside a big stadium is a mind thing and we haven’t been fazed by those type of things before. In fact, we have risen to the challenge and won at Bolton this season, played some of our best football at Middlesbrough last season and were unlucky to lose at Hull.

“We know the players can cope with that, if there are fans there or not. I am not worrying about that. It will be a challenge because Sunderland are the biggest club in this league and have good players, but we can go there and express ourselves and it is one we are all looking forward to.

“It is a great shame that the fans cannot be there with us because I am sure it is one they would have loved to have gone to.”