Crewe Alex v Morecambe 23/24 Preview - About Time

It's hilarious that we've just ticked into March and this is the the final 'first match up' of the season for these sides. The Alex have played 12 of their League Two opponents twice already, yet haven't played Morecambe due to the game at their place being postponed twice. So, for the final time this season, they play a new opponent. Here is my preview of the visit from the Shrimps.

Better than expected

It's been turbulent season for Morecambe. Losing Derek Adams mid-season, having their best loanees head back to their parent clubs in January and having to replace them all. But to the credit of all the staff that remain there, they've managed to keep everything together and have a successful season given they were predicted to finish in the bottom 2.

They are even in with a sniff of the play-offs, sitting just 3 points off them at this point. In a season of shocks in L2, their story doesn't get enough credit.

On the Road

Morecambe have been surprisingly good, but that's especially true on the road. They have 7 wins already. And they haven't been against the bottom feeders either. They've beaten MK Dons, Crawley and Tranmere in recent weeks, plus taken a point away from Wimbledon. They came from behind in each of those games as well. They are no mugs on their travels and the Alex need to take them seriously, especially if they get their noses in front.

New threats

Had they played Morecambe in November as originally scheduled, I'd have been talking about threats like Michael Mellon, Tom Bloxham, Eli King and Adam Mayor. Now, with all of them gone, I'm looking at Jordan Slew(yes, that Jordan Slew), Joe Adams, Gwion Edwards and Jordy Hiwula. It's hard to scout the Shrimps given how much their team keeps evolving. But they have some dangerous players for sure.

Fighting It

I'll keep saying it, the Alex have done better away from home in 2024 than they have at home. 5 home games, 5 away. 3-1-1, 6 scored, 4 conceded at home. 4-1-0, 10 scored, 3 conceded away. I don't know whether it's nerves in terms of playing in front of an expectant home crowd or the opposition raising their game. But they need to try and shake off the wobbles and put on a relaxed and confident display, much like they've been able to do on the road in 2024.

No Manager

There will be an interesting dynamic for this game in that Lee Bell will not be present on the touchline. He picked up a 1 match touchline ban after approaching David Rock following the Harrogate game. Unfortunately, he tried to speak to him too soon after the full time whistle, so incurring the suspension. Ryan Dicker and Kenny Lunt will be on the touchline, no doubt in communication with Bell who'll be in the stands.

How will this new dynamic affect things. Probably not too much.

Ref Watch

Farai Hallam

Hallam is a new name for I suspect most EFL fans. This will only be his 2nd L2 game of the season, having done a mixture of Womens', Youth and National League football. He has done 3 EFL Trophy games and was in charge for Walsall v Accrington in midweek.

2023/24 Record: 4 games(1 League Two, 3 EFL Trophy), 13 yellows

Last Game: Walsall 2-1 Accrington Stanley, 27th February 2024, League Two, 4 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: N/A

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

As expected, Zac Williams has returned to training and looks to be available for this game. Charlie Finney is soon to return, but Chris Long is 2-3 weeks away. Luke Offord is having his operation today(Friday), which will rule him out for the season, joining Powell. Owen Lunt's return remains a mystery.

Morecambe

Morecambe will be missing a few players. Stuart Moore is close to a return from a long term lay off, but Archie Mair will continue in goal. Jacob Davenport isn't far away, but might not make this game. JJ McKeirnan and Brandon Barker are a long term absentees and Donald Love won't be fit, whilst Ged Garner looks to be back in contention.

Team

Same again as last week please, assuming no new injuries or concerns. I see no reason to make any changes as the starting XI did enough to retain their places. Then hopefully, we'll see a full bench that includes 6 outfield subs, something we haven't had for a while.

That bench should be tasty though, with potentially Cooney, Leigh, CBR, Rowe, Tabiner and Williams all to choose from. Hopefully they don't need to name 2 keepers this time.

Score Prediction

Given Morecambe come into this game with confidence, I think it's going to be another tough afternoon for the Alex, but one where I'm hoping their extra quality can make all the difference and get them another win. Another clean sheet against a fairly average attacking Shrimps unit would be nice as well.

Crewe Alex 2-0 Morecambe