Preview: Crewe Alexandra vs Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

Crewe Alexandra and Accrington Stanley will meet at the Mornflake Stadium on Saturday in the second round of League Two fixtures.

Both sides opened their respective campaigns with contrasting results and will be looking to build early momentum in what is expected to be another gruelling fourth-tier season.

Match preview

Lee Bell’s men got off to the perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Salford City away from home, putting on an assured display that suggested their pre-season work has been well implemented.

Despite falling behind early to an own goal from Kadeem Harris, the Alex responded swiftly, first restoring parity through Harris himself before Conor Thomas struck twice before the break to seal the win.

Crewe's attacking structure looked fluid, with Tommi O'Reilly pulling the strings in the final third and Josh March leading the line with his usual persistence. Thomas's ability to ghost into dangerous areas from midfield made the difference, and the way the side defended their lead in the second half will have pleased Bell.

The only downside was a lapse that led to the early penalty, though Tom Booth’s heroics in goal ensured it did not change the complexion of the game.

Having finished 13th last term with 62 points, Crewe will be hoping to push further up the table in their fourth consecutive League Two campaign. Their form toward the end of last season had been patchy, but the season opener hinted at a team with better organisation, balance, and resolve.

The Alex have also maintained a solid record in recent meetings against Accrington, with a narrow 1-0 defeat in January their only loss in the last four league meetings.

The visitors kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Gillingham, a game that will leave John Doolan with mixed emotions.

On one hand, Stanley showed character and defensive discipline, but on the other hand, they let a one-goal lead slip and were ultimately denied all three points by a late own goal.

Tyler Walton’s solo effort midway through the second half was the game’s standout moment; his direct running, strength, and finish highlighted his attacking potential, but Stanley lacked a killer instinct to finish off the game.

The defensive trio of Farrend Rawson, Joshua Smith and Devon Matthews largely held their own, though Matthews’s unfortunate own goal cost them. Nevertheless, there were signs of cohesion and structure that Doolan will be eager to preserve.

Accrington's away form was a major concern last season; finishing 21st with just 50 points, they conceded far too many on the road and struggled to find rhythm in hostile environments. Doolan’s challenge now is to turn those narrow losses and draws into wins by instilling belief and discipline in his squad.

With a third consecutive season in League Two underway, Stanley must look to solidify early. Their recent record against Crewe is marginally in their favour, having won three of the last six meetings; most notably a 1-0 victory at this ground back in January.

Crewe Alexandra League Two form:

Accrington Stanley League Two form:

Accrington Stanley form (all competitions):

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Team News

Crewe Alexandra are not dealing with any major fitness crises, and the only absentee is midfielder Joel Tabiner, who is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Bell is expected to name an unchanged XI from the side that triumphed in Salford, sticking with his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape.

Accrington Stanley also have no major injury or suspension concerns to report.

Given the satisfactory performance in the draw against Gillingham, John Doolan may stick with the same personnel and tactics, favouring a 3-4-1-2 formation that allows them to transition quickly and remain compact.

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:

Booth; Billington, Connolly, Demetriou, Hutchinson; Lunt, Thomas; O'Reilly, Sanders, Agius; March

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Matthews, Rawson, Smith; Love, Coyle, Grant, Woods; Sinclair; Walton, Cato

We say: Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Accrington Stanley

There is little to choose between these two teams on current form and in their recent head-to-head history.

Crewe will be buoyed by their opening-day win and have home advantage, but Accrington have shown resilience and may be difficult to break down, so a low-scoring draw could be on the cards.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.