Crewe Alexandra - Preston North End preview - Crewe are a Ray light for clash

George Ray will miss out for Crewe when Sky Bet League One high-fliers Preston visit.

The defender was sent off in the win at Oldham on Boxing Day and will serve a two-game suspension as it was his second dismissal of the campaign.

Striker Lauri Dalla Valle is still waiting to make his first appearance due to an ankle problem, while Chris Atkinson (heel) is not considered far away either.

Adam Dugdale (knee), Billy Waters (hamstring), Ryan Colclough (pelvis) and Brad Inman (illness) may not return until the new year.

Simon Grayson will be hopeful he can add Scott Wiseman and Kyel Reid to his Preston ranks.

Full-back Wiseman and winger Reid were both absent on Boxing Day for the 1-0 win over Barnsley because of a virus.

Striker Kevin Davies, 37, played the full 90 minutes on Friday and may be taken out of the starting line-up, while Joe Garner and Jordan Hugill (both knee) are long-term absentees.

Full-back David Buchanan (hamstring) was back on the bench against the Tykes while Australia international Bailey Wright (groin) is also on the verge of a return.