Crewe Alexandra vs Plymouth Argyle - Crewe to miss strike duo for Plymouth clash

Crewe host League Two leaders Plymouth without first-choice strike-duo Ryan Lowe and Chris Dagnall.

Lowe limped off after just 16 minutes of the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Chesterfield on Tuesday night with a swollen ankle and the Alex's club captain and leading goalscorer could be out for up to three weeks. Dagnall was forced off against Cheltenham in the FA Cup last weekend with a calf injury and a scan has revealed a slight tear.

Some good news for Crewe is that right-back Ollie Turton could be fit again after a hamstring injury while midfielder James Jones is expected back from international duty with the Scotland Under-21 squad in time for Saturday's game.

George Ray and Billy Bingham remain sidelined with groin and calf problems respectively.

Plymouth boss Derek Adams is hoping to have Ben Purrington and Gary Miller back in his starting line-up.

Miller was rested for the trophy match against Swansea in midweek while Purrington suffered a knock in the same game but should be fit to return.

Adams also revealed that defender Oscar Threlkeld (knee) and striker Paul-Arnold Garita (hamstring) will start full training next week after missing the Pilgrims' last few games through injury.

Meanwhile, defender Gary Sawyer and striker Ryan Brunt remain unavailable as they recover from stomach muscle and knee injuries respectively.