Crewe Alex v Sutton United 23/24 Review - Must Win?

Hmm, this game takes on a very interesting dynamic doesn't it? Had you asked me 2 weeks ago how I felt about this game, I'd have been feeling fairly confident of 3 points given the way the Alex were playing. But now, after 2 shockers in back to back games, I'm very concerned. Sure, Sutton are a poor side. They are 24th and staring relegation in the face for a reason. But if the Alex don't get back to something resembling the side we saw in 2024 up until they lost to Morecambe, they'll lose here as well. Here is my preview of a suddenly massive game in their season:

Must Win?

I hate using this phrase, because it suggests that a failure to win would signal something momentous. In reality, it doesn't mean that at all. At worst, they will be 4 points clear of 8th with 9 games left to play. But, a failure to win here heading into a tough away game at in form MK Dons, then the similarly inform other Dons, Wimbledon, is a daunting proposition. They badly, badly need a win here, however it comes.

Tight

I don't anticipate this being a high scoring game. Whilst Sutton's last win at Notts County 2 weeks ago was a 4-3 barnstormer, most of the rest of their games have been low scoring affairs. There have only been 10 games where there have been over 3 goals involving Sutton. 8 of their last 10 defeats have been by 1 goal. The last 3 meetings between these clubs have ended 1-0, 1-1 and 1-1. Given the pressure and desperation for a result on both sides, I doubt we're going to see an open and flowing game full of goals.

No Mugs

The Alex found out in November what a tough team Sutton were. They still are. In 2024, they have gone to Meadow Lane and won and have taken points from Mansfield and Walsall, whilst they pushed Morecambe, Bradford and Tranmere close. They don't give away many goals lately and they will look to keep it tight whilst trying to pinch a goal on the break or from a set piece.

Makeshift

That being said, a quick look at their team shows a patched together squad. Their starting CBs on Saturday at home to Grimsby were an 18 year old Jack Taylor and LB Sam Hart, although it looks like Omar Sowunmi might return as he replaced Taylor at HT. On the RW, they started RB Ryan Jackson. They are down several of their more established players and the Alex could be catching them at the right time.

Any Way Possible

As I said above, the Alex need a win however it comes. And I genuinely mean that. I don't care if we have to see the ugliest, messiest game to ever grace L2. I don't care how they do it, they simply have to get 3 points here. The jitters are spreading across the fan base and the players are looking affected now as well. A win here and the confidence boost that 3 points gives you is massive. Let's hope they can get it done.

Final Tuesday

I think we can safely say now that we are out of the postponement danger zone. Sure, there is always a risk of a massive downpour or cold snap, but it feels like we've managed to safely navigate the winter months. And the upside to this is, if this game goes ahead, the Alex will have played every single home game on it's originally scheduled date(aside from Barrow, which they voluntarily moved forward).

That must be the first time in a long while given all the issues with waterlogged and frozen pitches, cup commitments, international call ups and Covid forcing them to play up toOk they have 1 more Tuesday to go in April at Morecambe, but honestly I'll be glad to say goodbye to middle of the night games for me watching in East Asia.

Ref Watch

Andrew Humphries

For gods sake! Another ref making his EFL debut, thanks guys! How do we keep getting them?! Yes, Humphries will make his debut at this level and I can only hope it goes better than Farai Hallam's did a couple of weeks ago. I hope his lack of experience doesn't play into Sutton's hands.

2023/24 Record: 16 games(16 National League Premier), 60 yellows, 2 reds

Last Game: Oldham Athletic 1-1 Southend United, National League, 2nd March 2024, 2 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: N/A

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

The Alex should have pretty much the same squad as they did on Saturday. The only exception looks to be Holicek, who looks likely will miss out after going over on his ankle shortly after coming on against Donny. I would imagine Callum Agius would take his place on the bench.

Sutton

It's hard to know with Sutton's big lumbering squad who might be missing. By my count, Ben Goodliffe, Louis John, Harry Beautyman, Omari Patrick and Lee Angol could all be absent for this game having not made the squad on Saturday. There are others who weren't in the squad, but could be out due to them not making the cut.

Team

I really hope the management learn their lessons from the mistakes they made on Saturday, especially when it comes to their selections in midfield. The worry is though, once again they lack the options to change things much. Matus Holicek feels unlikely to play. So who comes in for Rowe, who absolutely cannot start. I suppose it'll have to be a half fit Tabiner. Or do you give Leigh, who is no doubt desperate to play, a start? I'd give him a go. Why not?

Billington recalled at RB feels like a no brainer too. I'm also looking to drop Nevitt and start CBR. Yes, it's a big call, but CBR has 2 goals in 2 games against Sutton since the start of last season. So I'm giving him a chance to impress.

I do worry though that they'll overthink things and do something drastic, like completely alter the system and perhaps start Nevitt and CBR upfront, or go 3-5-2. I hope not.

Score Prediction

Anything that gets them 3 points is fine with me. If they can go out and put in a calm and relaxed display and emerge as comfy winners, then fantastic. But if it ends up being a dull and ugly 1-0 win, that's fine with me also.

Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Sutton United