Crewe Alexandra vs Sheffield United preview - Crewe without strike duo

Steve Davis will have to consider his options in Crewe's attack after learning neither Febian Brandy or Danny Haynes have permission to play in the FA Cup contest with Sheffield United.

Rotherham's Brandy and Notts County's Haynes both featured in the Alex's 1-1 draw at Crawley but will have to come out of the line-up, with Marcus Haber and Callum Saunders their possible replacements.

Captain Matt Tootle is unlikely to feature because of a bout of illness while Swansea loanee Alan Tate is back in South Wales having treatment on a groin strain.

Midfielder Anthony Grant is back from suspension, although George Ray remains banned, while Jamie Ness (calf) and Brad Inman (head) are back in training and could play.

Sheffield United are without Michael Higdon and Paddy McCarthy.

Striker Higdon is out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury while McCarthy is back at Crystal Palace following the end of his loan spell, though boss Nigel Clough has confirmed a deal has been agreed in principle to extend it after this weekend's clash.

Midfielder James Wallace is a doubt after he picked up a groin niggle in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Barnsley while Clough has conceded one or two are carrying knocks.

As a result, the Blades boss could ring the changes, with young striker Diego De Girolamo in contention to start after he was recalled from his successful loan spell at York.