Crewe Alex v Doncaster Rovers 24/25 Preview - The Gauntlet

It's pretty crazy to think that the Alex, heading back to Carlisle in late November, have only faced 1 side currently in the top 7 side in their last 20 games, that being Wimbledon twice. Unfortunately, you can argue that they have not made the most of this stretch though, going 6-9-5 in those games to now sit clinging to a play-off spot on goal difference alone.

Well, their promotion credentials are going to be severely tested as they face the sides currently in 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 2nd in their next 5. That's a gauntlet of games which will say whether they'll stay in the promotion race or not. First up is Doncaster, who'll still feel they owe the Alex for the play-off embarrassment last May. Here is my my preview of their visit to South Cheshire:

Worried

Were this at The Keepmoat, I'd be more confident. Right now, I don't have much faith in the Alex to get results at home. Why? Well, it could be the fact that they're 1-1-3 with 9 goals conceded in their last 5 games at Gresty Road and 4 of those were against mid-table sides or lower. Or it could be the fact that they've once again struggled to perform consistently well at home for the 2nd straight season. Either way, they aren't doing so hot at home and if they perform how they did against some of their recent visitors, they are going to lose and probably lose heavily.

Big Boys

That being said, Lee Bell usually sets his side up to perform against the big boys. Last season they were 6-2-4 against the other top 7 sides. This season, they are 1-5-1. That sole defeat was the 3-0 at Wimbledon, which as we know was swung heavily on the penalty and red card in the 40th minute after what had been a pretty even game up until that point. And in 4 of the 5 draws, against Walsall, Bradford, Donny and Wimbledon, they even led but couldn't make it stick.

The Alex usually come ready to play against the better sides. They'll need the same to be true in this one and in the upcoming games as well.

Formidable

Getting a result will be very tough for the Alex though given they are facing the joint best away side in the division. Donny have a list of impressive scalps on the road. Port Vale, Grimsby and Bradford are the standout ones, with their 9 road wins the joint most in the division.

They have some top talents running throughout their squad, especially up front in Rob Street, Billy Sharp, Joe Ironside and their talisman, winger Luke Molyneux. They were embarrassed last season in the play-offs and are seeking to avoid that by going up in the top 3 this season. They look on course to do just that.

Vulnerable

All the above being said, whilst Donny's away record is definitely strong, there is some vulnerability to them. They've only kept 3 clean sheets on the road and despite boasting a 9-3-6 record, they only have a +2 goal difference. They have conceded 24 goals on their travels, which is the most in the top 7. Whilst they undoubtedly possess a strong attack, defensively they can be got at and that has to be where the Alex look to hurt them.

3pm no more

I hope the Alex have enjoyed their 3pm kick offs, because this marks the start of a run of 3 straight Saturday's with midday kick offs and 4 of their next 5 weekends not occupied by a 3pm kick off. As I mentioned when they played Barrow, their record has been mixed in these games, but they'll need to improve in these time slots, as they are here to stay. They now have the chance to do it.

Ref Watch

Matt Corlett

Corlett is on his 2nd full season in the EFL, so thankfully not a rookie. The concern here is that he loves his cards. He's averaging 5.35 per game this season, which is a lot. He hasn't stood out as a particularly good or bad ref so far, but I hope the Alex find a way to avoid going into his book.

2024/25 Record: 20 games(8 League One, 8 League Two, 1 National League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cup), 107 yellows, 3 reds

Last Game: Harrogate Town 2-1 Accrington Stanley, EFL League Two, 1st March 2025, 7 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 1-0-0, 2 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

The Alex are getting healthier, with only Tracey as a long term absentee. Lankester, Connolly and Demetriou are back in training, which is good news, but I don't get the sense that any of the trio will be in the squad for this game. It'll be nice to be proven wrong on this one.

Doncaster

Donny will have midfielder Patrick Kelly back after suspension. But they'll be sweating on their first choice back defence of Jamie Sterry, Joseph Oluwu, Jay McGrath and James Maxwell, who all missed last Saturday's draw with Swindon. But aside from those 4, they look to be in decent nick health wise.

Team

4-3-3. It's that simple. Fans are fed up with the 5 at the back, especially at home. I suspect we'll see fans patience snap should he line up with a back 5 and should they struggle to hold on to the ball and lose. He'll get more rope if they play a 4 and go down playing the style everyone wants to see from them.

So, 4-3-3, Sanders back in alongside Powell and Lowery, Tabiner and Holicek either side of Bogle, Conway, Williams, O'Riordan and Cooney across the back. Please and thank you.

What I worry he'll do is stick with the same defence and midfield as against Salford, but replace Billington with Cooney, then have Tabiner and Holicek either side of Bogle. That would be the wrong call, but then he's proven me wrong before.

Score Prediction

As I mentioned above, I just don't have any confidence in the Alex at home at the moment. I'd be nervous facing any team, but the team with the joint most away points in the division feels me with dread. Until they prove otherwise, I can't look past another defeat for the Alex unfortunately.

Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Doncaster Rovers