Stockport County v Crewe Alex 23/24 Preview - Take a Shot

Last season, the Alex travelled to Edgeley Park and put in one of their limpest performances of the season. They weren't able to even manage a shot, for what must have been the first time in decades. Then they played them back in October and fell to a limp defeat, also losing Jack Powell for the season in the process. They owe the travelling fans a performance tomorrow after 2 no-shows in the last 2 against Stockport. Here is my preview of their short trip north:

Improving

If the Alex can avoid defeat tomorrow, they will make it 5 unbeaten on the road for the first time since the end of the 2013-14 season, where they went 6 without loss. They don't often put up long runs away from home, but if they can navigate this and the Notts County game, as unlikely as it seems, they will be looking at one of their best ever away seasons, probably since the 02-03 promotion season.

Defence

A big part of the Alex's away record of late has been their improving defence. They have conceded 2 goals in their last 4 games on the road and have only let in 7 in their last 8. Now, that record will be severely tested against the Champions-Elect on their home turf, a side who comfortably dispatched the Alex back in October. But again, get through this game with less than 2 conceded and we can start to consider the Alex a formidable outfit away from home.

Not infallible

The Alex have had their home struggles. But Stockport, their record aside, are not in fantastic home form either. Since their historic winning run ended, Salford and Harrogate have been able to go there and get draws. Mansfield were able to win. Take their 8-0 win over Sutton away and they have scored 26 goals in 15 games, a not so spectacular record. It is possible to get a result there if the Alex play it right.

Attack

It will only be possible if the Alex can actually forge a path going forwards though. 2 shots on target in their last 2 games won't cut it if they repeat that tomorrow. Stockport have conceded the 2nd lowest shots and 3rd lowest shots on target in the league. They have the 2nd best defensive record. This will be a big test of how Bell and his management team in how they try to get forward and create chances in this game.

Ref Watch

Neil Hair

Hair doesn't stand out as a noteworthy ref. He is averaging just 3.6 yellow per game, which might work in the Alex's favour. His last Crewe game was the 2-0 home win over Hartlepool last season. That game took place on the 14th February 2023. Now, 364 days later, he'll take charge of his next Crewe game. What a funny coincidence.

2023/24 Record: 19 games(9 League One, 6 League Two, 1 FA Cup, 3 EFL Trophy)

Last Game: Colchester 3-3 Forest Green, League Two, 3rd February 2024, 2 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 2-1-3, 12 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Stockport County

Stockport, like the Alex, have been through it injury wise. They still are. They will be missing Macauley Southam-Hales, Rhys Bennett, Kyle Knoyle, Ryan Rydel, Ethan Pye, Jack Stretton and Kyle Wootton. That would form the basis of a good L2 team. But so deep is their squad that they'll still be able to name a very strong team tomorrow.

Crewe Alex

Aside from the long term trio, the Alex will have to wait and see on Chris Long, who injured his thigh again last week. Tom Booth will need longer to recover, so the Alex will be without those 2. We're just biding time until Finney and Tabiner can come into contention.

Team

The Alex need to make some changes for this game. Lewis Billington should be recalled at RB. I also don't think Holicek should start after he looked a bit lost on Saturday. Either Leigh or Austerfield comes into midfield for me personally. I know Bell would love to play 4-2-3-1, but I don't see how he can with Long out, Kirk not match fit and Holicek not really being a starting option.

The final change would be to bring in CBR in place of Nevitt upfront. I think Bell will go for something like the 5-2-3, with Austerfield alongside Thomas and Offord into a defending role primarily. I'd have it pretty much the same, but Offord would be entirely in midfield, not defence. I'd ask him to man mark Nick Powell.

Score Prediction

Much like the last time they played Stockport, I have a feeling this one will be a game too far for the Alex, where the Hatters show their superiority(and ridiculous squad depth) to pull away and win comfortably. I'd settle for the Alex getting a goal to be honest. As it is, I think it'll be a routine home win.

Stockport County 2-0 Crewe Alex