Crewe captain Perry Ng banned for top-of-the-table clash

Crewe will be without skipper Perry Ng for their clash with Exeter on Saturday, as Sky Bet League Two’s top two meet.

The right-back is serving a one-match ban following his red card at Cheltenham last weekend.

Midfielder Paul Green is available after completing his own three-match suspension, but he could struggle to win his place back from James Jones.

Boss David Artell has no fresh injury concerns other than the usual bumps and bruises.

Striker Nicky Ajose will be missing for Exeter as he is booked in for knee surgery.

Ajose has been out since the beginning of September with the injury but injections have not worked and he will now go under the knife next week.

The Grecians lost for the first time in the league last week, going down 3-1 at home to Grimsby, with Jack Sparkes taken off at half-time.

Boss Matt Taylor could make changes following that defeat, as Exeter take on a club they sit above on goal difference alone.