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Crewevs.Wrexham

sportsmole.co.uk, 18 April 2024, 14:01
It is a top-of-the-table clash in League Two this weekend as Crewe Alexandra aims to secure a place in the playoffs when they host Wrexham.

The visitors have already been promoted to League One, but with two games remaining, they can still finish second.

Match preview

Crewe currently sits fifth in the league table, and while that seems like a relatively secure place in the playoffs, with Doncaster Rovers and Walsall chasing the pack, there is no room for error.

The Railwaymen need two points from the final couple of games to guarantee their place in the knockout stage of the competition, regardless of what results other teams pick up.

Plus, Lee Bell will want his team to have as much momentum as possible heading into potential playoff games to give them the best chance of earning promotion to

League One.

However, Crewe's performances have been anything but promotion-worthy in recent weeks. They have won just once in their previous six outings, which is concerning form at this stage in the season.

The Railwaymen were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Grimsby Town in their most recent outing, and Bell will want to see his team put that result behind them immediately.

Wrexham heads into this game with tons of buzz surrounding them after they secured back-to-back promotions and guaranteed their place in League One next season.

However, Phil Parkinson will ensure his men do not suffer from a Hollywood hangover this weekend. The team is now looking to finish the season in style as they prepare to make the jump in divisions.

Wrexham might have nothing to play for when it comes to earning promotion, but the Welsh club could still finish in second place if they win their final two matches of the season, with only goal difference splitting them and Mansfield Town.

The Red Dragons have been flying lately, scoring 10 goals in their previous two games, which included an emphatic 6-0 victory against Forest Green Rovers, and ending the season in style will certainly be high on their agenda.

With players now fighting to prove their worth to Parkinson ahead of life in League One, there is just as much on the line in each game, especially as Wrexham looks to keep the pressure on Mansfield.

Crewe Alexandra League Two form:

D

D

L

D

W

L

Wrexham League Two form:

W

W

L

W

W

W

Team News

Conor Thomas will again be unavailable for Crewe due to a hamstring problem, although he should be fit for the season's final game.

Courtney Baker-Richardson is dealing with a calf injury that will keep him out, while Ed Turns is also on the sidelines due to swelling in his knee.

However, Shilow Tracey and Christopher Long could both feature in some capacity, although it is unlikely either will be fit enough to start from the first whistle.

With promotion secured, Wrexham could mix things up a little to give minutes to some of the squad players for the final two games of the season, but it remains to be seen whether Parkinson wants to change things up.

Paul Mullin is still in the race for the Golden Boot in League Two after scoring a brace in midweek, and the striker will be hoping to keep his place in the team to try and add to his 23 goals this season.

Jacob Mendy is an injury concern for the Red Dragons as he missed out in midweek, and it is likely the defender will be rested once again here.

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Billington, Demetriou, Williams; Cooney, Austerfield, Holicek, Adebisi; Rowe, Kirk; Nevitt

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Barnett, Cleworth, O'Connell, O'Connor, McClean; Cannon, Evans, Davies; Palmer, Mullin

We say: Crewe Alexandra 1-3 Wrexham

Crewe need the points much more than their opponents at this point in this season as they are still looking to secure a place in the playoffs.

However, the recent form of the hosts has been poor, and that is something that Wrexham could take advantage of as they prepare for life in League One.

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