Crewe vs. Wolves – Promotion versus Relegation at Gresty Road

Consistency has been the hallmark of Wolves’ season thus far and it looks to be leading them towards the League One title. Aside from a brief lull during the middle of the campaign, they have continually posted wins and their tight defence has seen them stand out as the favourites for promotion. Next on their fixture list is Crewe, a team struggling to find any semblance of form. Though they might be capable of beating anyone on their day, the last five games are a fine demonstration of Cheshire club’s struggles, with a draw, two losses and two wins showing a failure to capitalise on the kind of consistency which has seen their opponents succeed.

Having been in something of a free fall ever since their Premier League relegation, Wolverhampton fans will be enjoying something of a successful campaign. In a marked difference to the kind of seasons which led to back to back relegations, Kenny Jackett has put together a functional defence and clinical strike force. Following on from two second half goals against Peterborough, the solid defence has only conceded 25 times, eleven better than their closest rivals. By bolstering the midfield and relying on the fine finishing of his strikers, Jackett will be hoping to enjoy not only automatic promotion, but to be promoted as champions.

Crewe, on the other hand have struggled to find any semblance of form. Their young squad has, at times, struggled with the physicality of the league. The on-loan Arsenal youngster Chuks Aneke is their top scorer by some distance with sixteen goals, and they might find themselves relying on the starlet to get them out of a relegation scrap. Aneke will likely play off the tall striker Mathias Pogba (brother of Juventus star Paul), though the lack of firepower from the bench could prove to be a problem.

Injuries

In terms of injuries, Wolves will be hoping to enjoy the services of Bakary Sako and Matt Doherty, both of whom are returning to full fitness following a toe and hamstring injury, respectively. James Henry is likely to continue to sit out a few games after limping off the field with a groin injury during the match against Stevenage. Crewe are likely to remain without their three long term injuries. Harry Davies has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, whilst Ryan Colclough (stomach) and Max Clayton (ankle) are unlikely to be back to full match fitness, despite returning to training.

The last time these two teams met, Wolves walked away with a two nil victory. With the circumstances still very similar, the promotion chasing Wolves will likely have too hardy a defence and too efficient an attacking force for Crewe to cope. Come the weekend, it is hard to see anything other than the same two nil result, despite the home advantage.

Form

Crewe

Overall: P41 W11 D10 L20

Most Recent: DWLLW

Predicted Line-Up: Garrett; Tootle, Ellis, Dugdale, Guthrie; Ikpeazu, Grant, Nolan, Moore; Aneke; Pogba.

Wolves

Overall: P41 W27 D09 L05

Most Recent: WWWDW

Predicted Line-Up: Ikeme; Ricketts, Batth, Stearman, Golbourne; Jacobs, McDonald, Price, Edwards, Sako; Dicko.

Prediction: Crewe 0 – 2 Wolves

The league leaders have built their campaign on a strong defence and clinical finishing, which will likely prove too much for struggling Crewe.