Northampton will be without defender Peter Gilbert, while Crewe striker Shaun Miller is unlikely to be fit in time.
Gilbert suspended for Cobblers
Northampton manager Ian Sampson will be without defender Peter Gilbert for the visit of Crewe.
Gilbert was sent-off for a professional foul on his debut in the goalless draw with Grimsby last weekend and serves a one-match suspension.
Fellow defender Dean Beckwith is expected to be out for at least another fortnight after he damaged both hamstrings in the cup defeat to the MK Dons last week so Patrick Kanyuka should continue.
Midfielder Abdul Osman remains sidelined with a back injury which may require an epidural, while young striker Courtney Herbert is still ruled out with his sciatica problem.
Liam Davis is also set to miss out after complaining of pain in his foot. The winger recently returned from a three-month lay-off after breaking a metatarsal in pre-season and will be assessed before being allowed to continue.
Josh Walker may make his debut in midfield after being signed on loan from Middlesbrough on Thursday.
Railwaymen news
Crewe striker Shaun Miller is set to miss the clash with Northampton.
Miller had been pencilled in for a return to the Alex side after he stepped up his rehabilitation from a groin injury.
But the 22-year-old was not able to make a return to full training this week, which means he is unlikely to be fit in time to face the Cobblers.
Full-back John Brayford will be available after recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered against Morecambe.
Midfielder Steven Schumacher is also in line for a place in the starting XI after coming off the bench last weekend to net his fourth goal in six appearances.
