Crewe Alexandra make the long trip to take on Sutton United at Gander Green Lane on Saturday (3pm).
Lee Bell’s side will aim to build on a five-game unbeaten run, and improve on a 1-1 draw with Rochdale last time out.
The Opposition
Sutton currently lie ninth in League Two on 50 points, as they push for a Play-Off spot.
The Yellows are on a six-game unbeaten run, including three wins in their last three games. Last time out, they were 2-0 victors at Newport County, thanks to goals from Cody Rowe and Alistair Smith.
The Gaffer
Matt Gray took charge of the club in May 2019 on a full-time basis, following an interim spell, and guided the club to the EFL for the first time in their history in 2021.
Gray nearly pulled off one of the great shocks in the EFL Trophy last season, leading 2-1 against Rotherham United in the final with minutes to go. But they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser and went on to lose 4-2 after extra time at Wembley.
Fighting Talk
Lee Bell: “They (Sutton) have taken to EFL football really well, they recruit well, and they have evolved as the season has gone on. We have to match them in the battle but also come out on top when the football is played.”
Matt Gray: “The next step is Crewe on Saturday, and we’ve got to make sure to continue our strong home run going, put another three points on the board. We don’t have to be in the Play-Offs on Saturday, but hopefully come May 8 we’ll be there”
Team News
Crewe will welcome fit-again Charlie Colkett back to the squad. Kelvin Mellor is still a week away from featuring in the first team, Courtney Baker-Richardson has upped his training schedule, whilst David Amoo, Christopher Long and Zac Williams remain sidelined.
Sutton United will assess the fitness of Donovan Wilson after he was taken off against Newport at half-time due to a knock.
Head-to-Head
There has only been one meeting between both sides, and that took place earlier in the season, as the Alex were victorious on a sunny Tuesday night in August courtesy of a Courtney Baker-Richardson goal to win 1-0.
Officials
Daniel Middleton has been appointed referee for Saturday’s encounter, having last taken charge of the Alex in October 2022, a 1-0 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy.
He will be assisted by Ryan Whitaker and Declan O’Shea, with James Vallance on standby as fourth official.
Elsewhere in League Two
AFC Wimbledon v Mansfield Town; Bradford City v Colchester United; Carlisle United v Grimsby Town; Harrogate Town v Gillingham; Leyton Orient v Swindon Town; Northampton Town v Crawley Town; Rochdale v Stevenage; Salford City v Newport County; Stockport County v Doncaster Rovers; Tranmere Rovers v Hartlepool United; Walsall v Barrow.
Ticket details
For information on tickets for the trip to Sutton click HERE.
How to Get There
For information on travel, and details of facilities at Sutton, click HERE.
Fanzone
There is a Fanzone available at Sutton for Crewe fans, behind the away end. Food and drink are available, and it opens at 1.30pm.
Can't Make The Game?
Crewe fans in the UK and around the world can listen to LIVE commentary on iFollow - CLICK HERE to purchase an Audio Match Pass for just £2.50!