Crewe Alex v Newport County 24/25 Preview - Sliding

Crewe Alex will be facing a seasons first in this game. This will be their 7th fixture where they are playing an opponent for the 2nd time this season. And it's the first time they've faced an opponent who they lost the first match up against. It shows how few games they've lost and a rare opportunity to get some revenge over Newport, who have endured less than optimal fortunes since that 2-1 win they inflicted on the Alex back in September. Here is my preview of the Welsh side's visit to South Cheshire:

Pressure

The pressure is on the Alex, big time. We saw a real souring of the mood against Wimbledon as we saw the most anti-football display we've witnessed in a long time. We also saw similar boilings of the temperature at Harrogate towards the end of the first half. Some fans aren't happy and whether you agree or disagree with that attitude, the only thing the players can do to improve the vibes around the club is to perform well. And win.

Who's Fit?

The pressure might be on, but all eyes will be on the team news come 2pm. Bell was his typical obtuse self with his fitness updates, saying Bogle and Long would be monitored. He made no mention of Tracey, which gives hope to him being fit and to be fair to Shilow, he's been pretty durable since joining the club. Personally, I can see Long and Bogle both being out and them having Tracey, Thibaut and the attacking midfielders as their only options. Which isn't ideal for such an important game.

In trouble

Newport have been struggling for a while now. They have slid from 5th to 11th to 18th in the last 3 seasons. This season has been no different, as they find themselves in 17th currently. Their home record has been their saving grace, with 23 of their 33 points coming at Rodney Parade. Away from home it's a different matter. 0-1-3 in their last 4, 1-4-8 in their last 13, 2-4-9 across the whole season, there is no other way to slice it than to say they are poor on the road. The Alex have got to take advantage of this.

Tired

This is where the Alex getting their games played on schedule earlier in the season and not having a backlog to work through pays off. The Alex were sat at home with their feet up on Tuesday, whilst Newport were in action against at home Morecambe. They have played Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday for the last 2 weeks, so they won't be feeling that fresh.

Ref Watch

James Oldham

Oldham is a strange on in that he did a number of seasons in the EFL up until last season, when he only managed 6 games in the National League. But, he's back in the EFL now and his penchant for red cards is concerning. Let's hope the Alex don't give him any grounds for show another one.

2024/25 Record: 13 games(2 League One, 4 League Two, 3 EFL Trophy, 4 National League), 53 yellows, 6 reds

Last Game: Exeter City 1-3 Blackpool, EFL League One, 25th January 2025, 3 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 1-1-3, 5 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

As mentioned above, we're awaiting the team news to see who out of the attackers makes it, with question marks over Bogle, Long and Tracey. Hemmings seems almost certain to miss out and Lankester starts his lengthy period of recovery from his foot injury, with no timescales provided on Connolly, Thomas or Robinson.

Newport

The Exiles will potentially be without a few players for this game. Cian Brennan, Oliver Greaves, Kyle Aaron Wildig, Tom Davies, Kai Whitmore and Kieron Evan all missed Tuesday's game

Team

Stop. Picking. 4. Centre Backs. Please and thank you. I suspect the reaction to seeing the big 4 picked again, in a home game they need to perform well in and win, could be biblical, especially if they start to struggle or fall behind. You have to make a tough call and drop one of them and the obvious choice is Williams.

However, I can see full well what he'll do. With them likely lightweight upfront, I think Holicek will move into an attacking role alongside Tracey if Shilow is fit. Conway then moves into midfield once again and Williams stays at LWB, with Cooney coming back in at RWB.

For me, I'm starting Tracey, but moving Tabiner and Holicek into attacking midfield roles behind him, which isn't ideal, but what other choice do you have? Sanders and Powell start in midfield, Williams goes to the bench and the back 3 becomes Demetriou, O'Riordan and Knight-Lebel, with Cooney and Conway in their natural wing back slots.

Score Prediction

Is it realistic to expect a win with so many of the attackers out? If they go with the team we see above, is that a good enough group to get past even a struggling Newport? I'm on the fence. I'll stay positive and say they'll find a way to get past the Exiles. Just.

Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Newport County