Blackburn v Crewe preview: Shane Duffy back from ban
Tuesday 23 August 2016 23:15, UK
Blackburn Rovers welcome Shane Duffy back to their first team after serving a one-match suspension for his two yellow cards against Wigan.
Duffy is in line to regain his spot in the Rovers back four, despite Owen Coyle heaping praise on academy debutant Scott Wharton after he deputised at the back in their 2-2 draw with Burton Albion.
Defender Elliott Ward is still suffering from an ankle injury, but could return after narrowly missing out on a return against Burton.
Blackburn boss Coyle is still looking for his first win in the Championship this season, and will hope victory against Crewe can kick-start Rovers' season.
Crewe boss Steve Davis has hinted at making several changes for the trip to Ewood Park.
His Alex side has remained fairly constant during the opening weeks of the season but, with a heavy schedule forthcoming, Davis plans to make the most of his squad.
"We're coming into a period of seven games in 13 days for the first team and Under-23 team which is less than one every two days, so we can't keep the same team out with that schedule," Davis told the club's official website. "We need to rest players and utilise the squad as and when is needed."
New signing Danny Hollands could make his full debut for Crewe while the likes of George Ray, Ben Nugent, Callum Saunders, Charlie Kirk and Callum Ainley will also come into Davis' thinking for starting places.
