Crewe Alexandra vs Port Vale preview - Alex duo absent for curtain raiser

Posted Friday, August 07, 2015 by PA

Crewe will be without injured pair Harry Davis and James Jones for Saturday's home derby clash with Port Vale, their opening game of the 2015-16 Sky Bet League One season.

Defender and recently-elected captain Davis has a knee problem while midfielder Jones is sidelined by a shoulder complaint.

Winger Ryan Colclough is available after returning from training with Wolves to sign a new Crewe contract, and there could be Alex debuts for summer recruits Ben Nugent, David Fox, Adam King and Billy Bingham.

New goalkeeper Dave Richards is expected to be named on the bench as deputy to Ben Garratt.

It is anticipated Vale will have a new goalkeeper in their starting XI, with former Newcastle man Jak Alnwick set to get the nod after joining on a short-term deal on Thursday.

Alnwick has come in after regular stopper Chris Neal underwent ankle surgery, ruling him out.

Midfielder Michael O'Connor is also sidelined due to a knee problem.

Among the others poised for Vale debuts are summer signings Ben Purkiss, Sam Foley, Anthony Grant, Uche Ikpeazu and Ajay Leitch-Smith - the latter trio of which are all former Crewe players.