Crewe vs Oldham preview
Friday 7 December 2018 16:59, UK
George Ray is set to be available for Crewe's Sky Bet League Two home clash with Oldham on Saturday.
Club captain Ray completed the full duration of Tuesday's Under-23s match against Burnley as he steps up his recovery from a rib problem.
The issue, sustained in training, has seen the defender sit out Crewe's last three matches. Midfielder Paul Green remains sidelined by a knee injury.
Oldham will again be without forward Ishmael Miller as his suspension continues. Miller serves the second game of a three-match ban following his red card in the 1-1 draw with Lincoln last month.
Jordan Lyden could make his return to action after missing the last two games due to a hamstring complaint, while it remains to be seen if there is any involvement for Jonathan Benteke, who has been nursing an ankle injury. Dan Gardner (knee) and Jose Baxter (ankle) are definite absentees.
Opta stats
Crewe have only managed one victory in their last seven home games against Oldham in all competitions (D1 L5), a 1-0 win in November 2015 in League One.
The last four meetings between Crewe and Oldham in all competitions have been won by a 1-0 scoreline (once by Crewe, three times by Oldham). Indeed, the last time the two sides were separated by more than one goal was in October 2012 when Oldham won 2-0 at Gresty Road in League One.
Crewe have conceded two or more goals in four of their last five league games (W2 L3).
Oldham are unbeaten in their last four league games (W1 D3), this after having lost three of their previous four matches in League Two (W1).
Callum Ainley has been involved in four goals in his last three League Two appearances for Crewe (3 goals, 1 assist).
