Crewe Alex v Walsall 24/25 Preview - All & Nothing

We're here. We've made it. We're finally at the end of this god awful season, which has lurched from boredom to farce, with only a handful of memorable moments and games in between. This won't be a season that is remembered fondly. It'll be one you probably forget in 10 years time. So, it's with a weary reluctance that I'll be attending this one, completing 23/23 home games in person for the first time since 2017/18. At least that's something I can take from this season. Here is my preview of the Saddler's visit to Gresty Road for the final game of the season, for the Alex at least:

Mother of all collapses

The Alex's collapse from January onwards needs to be studied. But it pale's in comparison to Walsall. I remember when I said they would fall apart after Nathan Lowe got recalled by Stoke. I wasn't the only one, but I was proven right. Far too often, a finely balanced team like the one the Saddlers assembled during the first half of the season is disrupted even slightly and things collapse like a house of cards.

Walsall's collapse is incredible. They were 12 points clear at the top after their win over MK Dons in the middle of January. But they have gone 2-10-8 since and are now sat 4th, needing a win to even give themselves a chance of automatic promotion.

Everything to Play for v Nothing to Play for

Whilst Walsall's collapse has been something to watch, they are still coming to Gresty Road knowing automatic promotion could be secured. The permutation is simple. If they better Bradford's result against Fleetwood, they are up. Whilst they are in pray for a miracle territory, they will come hungry and desperate for a win.

The Alex on the other hand will be on the beach. They've played like they were on the beach for the last few games anyway. Good luck to Bell getting them up for this game. I suspect we're going to see quite a contrast between the 2 sides in this one.

Contrasting Atmospheres

It's going to be a strange atmosphere in the stadium. In the home ends, you're going to have a set of fans who are bored, fed up and quite frankly ready to turn toxic should they fall behind at any stage. We heard murmurings of "Lee Bell, time to go" at Tranmere and booing of the players. It could get a lot worse very quickly.

As for Walsall in the 2 away ends, their fans are also fed up and were calling for Mat Sadler's head in their last game. They'll be watching their phones for the Bradford score and also hoping that their side can pull out a win. If they don't win, then they'll be quite toxic. However, if they do get ahead and get wind of Bradford blowing it, then the mood will shift quite dramatically. They ultimately, after all their struggles, could end up winning automatic promotion.

Like I said, it's going to be very weird.

Dr Crewe

What's that Walsall? You haven't won in 13 games? Don't you worry, the Alex have been specialists in getting teams back on track. They've done it consistently throughout the season and I doubt they'll stop helping teams in need right now.

Ref Watch

Matt Corlett

Corlett is back at Gresty Road after only coming here a few weeks ago for their game with Doncaster. He was a bit favourable to the Alex in that fixture. More of the same in this one wouldn't go amiss.

2024/25 Record: 24 games(9 League One, 11 League Two, 1 National League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cup), 119 yellows, 3 reds

Last Game: Chesterfield 4-1 Morecambe, EFL League Two, 26th April 2025, 3 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 1-1-0, 2 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

Lol. 'Big deep breath', they are missing Jack Lankester, Shilow Tracey and potentially Mickey Demetriou, Joel Tabiner and Matus Holicek through injury. Zac Williams and Tom Lowery are out suspended. They might have to recall the banished trio of Bogle, Powell and Cooney, otherwise they'll struggle to name an 18 the way things are going.

Walsall

Connor Barrett(suspended), Priestley Farquharson, Charlie Lakin, Josh Gordon and Danny Johnson will all be out for this game, which leaves them weak, especially upfront.

Team

I obviously don't care at this point, but good luck to Lee Bell for naming a competitive team/squad for this one. Do Cooney, Powell and Bogle get recalls? They might have to at this stage. Chris Long better be nowhere near the squad, that's for damn sure.

I came up with something resembling a coherent team. The bench on the other hand could be very funny if the above names don't get named.

Score Prediction

We know what's going to happen. A narrow Walsall win. It's written in the stars. It might not be enough to see the Saddlers earn automatic promotion, but I've never been more confident of an away win to nil.

Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Walsall