Hartlepool make the tricky trip to Crewe tomorrow, knowing that victory should see them all but safe
Vital Quotes:
Crewe are below Pools, but despite not winning in five games they are producing decent performances recently, which is sure to make the game a tense but entertaining one.
”We have a massive game with Hartlepool coming up on Saturday and I am sure everyone realises how important it is.”
Neil Baker on the importance of a victory for Alex
”I said to Jan before the game, it is up to him – if he plays well, he stays in the team. He has not done anything wrong and the team has won so why the need for a change?”
Chris Turner hints that he may keep faith with keeper Jan Budtz
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Alex have no new injury worries, but Anthony Elding may be considered after completing his loan with Lincoln. Billy Jones is back after suspension, and Byron Moore may also return up-front.
Player to watch: Billy Jones
The left back was tipped as a star of the future when he first made his break-through at Exeter.
Jones can produce a wicked cross, and often scares his opponents with his overlapping runs. He has just completed his ban after a red card and is hoping to help Alex to safety.
Hartlepool United Team News:
Chris Turner is expected to stick with Jan Budtz in goal, despite Arran Lee-Barrett’s return from suspension.
Joel Porter picked up a slight knock against Hereford last Saturday and Turner may keep the Aussie fresh for Scunthorpe’s visit on Monday.
Joe Skarz is pressing for a place at left back although again Turner may keep Skarz fresh for the visit of the Irons, with Ritchie Humphreys keeping his place for tomorrows match.
Player to watch: Antony Sweeney
Antony Sweeney has been a player in-form recently and will be hoping he can help force Pools to their fifth away win of the season.
After his sixth goal of the season last saturday, he will be a major threat for the Crewe defence with his bombing runs forwards, capable of causing real damage to the back line.
Sweeney has set up 8 goals this term and will be aiming for his talent to rub off on his team-mates for tomorrows crucial clash
Match Facts & Stats
Pools have been on the end of some heavy beatings by Alex, most notably the 4-1 defeat this season, and the 8-0 defeat in the 1995-1996 season.
The two clubs have met 65 times at Crewe and Pools have came away with all the points on just 11 occasions. Whereas the hosts have won 46 times on their home turf.
Match Prediction:
Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Hartlepool United
The game is sure to involve a midfield battle and the threat of Antony Sweeney bombing forward to assist the strike force is certain to cause problems for Crewe.
Although Crewe have their own dangermen with Billy Jones on the left and former York striker Clayton Donaldson.
Next Fixtures:
Scunthorpe United (H) League One
