Stevenage vs Crewe - Double injury blow for Stevenage boss Darren Sarll

Stevenage manager Darren Sarll has a couple of injury problems to contend with ahead of their Sky Bet League Two game against Crewe.

New signing Rowan Liburd, who joined the club from Reading in July, is a doubt due to an injury picked up in training.

Steven Schumacher remains on the sidelines after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in November.

Defender Charlie Lee is expected to feature against the Alex despite picking up a minor injury in training on Thursday.

Crewe manager Steve Davis is keen to add reinforcements as he starts the season with just two fit central midfielders.

On-loan Liam Smith is currently back with parent club Newcastle for treatment on an ankle injury which will keep him out for three weeks so James Jones and Billy Bingham will start.

Oliver Turton was used in midfield in the 3-0 friendly defeat to Lincoln last week and while Davis was forced to send on central defenders Ben Nugent and George Ray at half-time to rectify Crewe's aerial vulnerability, the boss insists that was a blip and will not alter his strategy.

Defender Jon Guthrie will make his 100th career appearance while Ryan Lowe, signed from Bury on a permanent basis, and free agent Chris Dagnall are likely to start up front.