Crewe only lost 1-0 at the Stadium of Light but Artell admits we were outplayed by Sunderland back in October.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he is looking forward to the challenge of facing ‘one of the best side’s in the division’ this weekend. Crewe welcome Sunderland to the Alexandra Stadium for the first time since March 2005 hoping to build on our fantastic 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley on Tuesday evening.

Sunderland deservedly won the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light back in October with Crewe left ‘flattered’ by the 1-0 defeat. The Black Cats were superior on the night and the result should have been more comfortable, but Artell was pleased at the time that his side had managed to stay in the contest.

Ahead of this weekend’s rematch, Artell said: “Sunderland are one of the best side’s we are faced this season, if not the best. They won 1-0 and the scoreline flattered us because they had a lot of the ball and create good chances.

“We held our hands up on the night and knew that we had been beaten by the better side but I think we have improved since then. We know what to expect in this league a bit more now.

“Sunderland have a big budget and are expected to be up there. I am not moaning, that is just the way it is and we worked hard last year to get games like this. It is just a shame that the fans are not going to be there, because we know how well supported they are.

“We know the pecking order when it comes to finances and resources but on Saturday, it is 11v11 and we have to give as good as we get against a very good side.”