Crewe Alexandra vs Scunthorpe United preview - Tate back with Crewe

Posted Friday, March 06, 2015 by PA

Alan Tate is back from suspension to bolster Crewe's defensive options against Scunthorpe.

Swansea loanee Tate was banned for the 4-0 defeat at Rochdale in midweek and Jon Guthrie, his replacement in that thrashing, may drop out of the XI again to accommodate Crewe's returning defender.

Striker Lauri Dalle Valle (hip) is also in with a shout of coming back into the squad having featured in an Under-21s game on Wednesday, however Ryan Colclough (Achilles) missed out after sustaining a minor injury during his lengthy rehabilitation process.

The Railwaymen's boss Steve Davis, who remains without goalkeeper Ben Garratt (broken leg), said he hopes to have club captain Matt Tootle (ankle) back before the end of the season.

Scunthorpe skipper Neal Bishop will return to contention after serving a two-game ban for reaching 10 yellow cards.

Bishop's availability means a selection dilemma for boss Mark Robins as on-loan Manchester City midfielder George Evans scored in the midweek draw at Fleetwood and will be hoping to retain his place.

Defender Marcus Williams is also expected to return to contention after a back injury kept him out of the last two matches.

Midfielder Sean McAllister and Dutch striker Kevin van Veen are among those pushing for recalls as the Iron chase their first league win in five matches.