As the end of the season nears even closer, Leyton Orient travel to Crewe Alexandra for what will truly be a fight for survival.
Despite being unbeaten in three, Orient remain out of the relegation zone only due to having a much superior goal difference to Crewe.
The Railwaymen have played once more than Orient but a win on Saturday will surely boost either sides survival hopes massively.
With 53 points looking to be the number needed to stay up, a win for Orient could move them to 49 and even closer to consolidating their League 1 status.
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Crewe will be without centre midfielder Anthony Grant who serves the second of a two match suspension.
Loanee Nicky Ajose is pushing for a starting spot in attack.
Captain Matt Tootle remains a doubt for the Railwaymen however due to a hamstring injury sustained back in October.
Player to watch: Jamie Ness
The former Rangers midfielder spent a period on loan at Orient last season and has become a consistent figure for Crewe this campaign.
On loan from Stoke, Ness has made 33 appearances for Crewe so far and has helped create a number of chances.
With Anthony Grant suspended, pressure will be on Ness to start the play deep in midfield and control the tempo in the middle of the park.
Leyton Orient Team News:
Marvin Bartley will have a fitness test ahead of the trip after missing out Monday’s draw with Gillingham.
Fabio Liverani made five changes for the last game but having seen his side produce a shaky defensive display, could revert back to skipper Nathan Clarke in the centre of defence.
Darius Henderson was also one of the players to be dropped on Monday but having changed the game after coming off the bench, the striker is likely to start at Gresty Road.
Player to watch: Darius Henderson
He may not have hit the heights expected after signing in the summer, but the powerful forward will be crucial at Crewe on Saturday.
The 33-year-old was instrumental in the O’s salvaging a draw against Gillingham, scoring one and setting up Josh Wright’s equaliser.
Henderson won pretty much every header he challenged for against the Gills and will need to show a similar level of fight if Orient are to defeat Crewe.
Match Facts & Stats
An Orient victory will see them complete the double over Crewe this season.
The O’s last defeat at Gresty Road came in 1994.
Orient have won 12 of the 27 previous meetings between the sides and drawn 8.
Ref Watch:
Dean Whitestone
Next Fixtures:
Crewe Alexandra:
Peterborough (A) April 14
Walsall (H) April 18
Coventry (A) April 25
Leyton Orient:
Doncaster (H) April 11, MK Dons (A) April 18, Rochdale (A) April 21
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