MX23RW : Tuesday, October 1 13:28:45| >> :600:2157763:2157763:
[monks data]
Crewe Alexandra
League Two | Gameweek 38
May 3, 2023 at 7.45pm UK
Alexandra Stadium
Bradford City

Crewe
3 - 2
Bradford

Agyei (16', 43'), Long (90+11' pen.)
Williams (15'), Agyei (86'), Baker-Richardson (90+9')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Cook (46'), Walker (54')
Crichlow (8'), Banks (78')

Preview: Crewe Alexandra vs. Bradford City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's League Two clash between Crewe Alexandra and Bradford City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Crewe Alexandra host Bradford City in their final home League Two game of the season at the Alexandra Stadium on Wednesday.

In the last remaining game in hand before the league's finale next Monday, there is still a lot on the line for the visitors.


Match preview

Bradford will confirm their place in the League Two playoffs if they avoid defeat in this one.

However, their sights might still be set a little higher than just a playoff place, given the luxury of having a game in hand on the rest of the league.

Romoney Critchlow-Noble's 94th-minute winner against Northampton Town at the weekend has kept alive slim hopes that they could go up automatically at Northampton's expense.

The result means Northampton will go into the final game on 80 points, while Bradford have 75, but still with two games remaining.

Stockport County are also in the mix, so needing two wins and more than one other result to go their way means it is an unlikely scenario to go in Bradford's favour.

Having two games to claim the one point needed for a playoff spot should not be too much of an arduous task though, especially for a side who have lost only two of their last 20 league games.

Only Stockport have taken more points in the league during that period, as a late-season rally from Mark Hughes's side should surely reward them with a shot at promotion in the playoffs.

If that run of form was not enough to give them huge confidence, the fact that no side in the league has picked up more points-per-game on the road than Bradford should - as they have averaged 1.77 points in their League Two away matches this season.

Despite being safe from relegation, though, Crewe have continued to show fantastic form at home, and no signs of complacency or taking it easy have sneaked in.

Their last six matches here at the Alexandra Stadium have yielded a brilliant 16 points, with the only dropped points in that time coming surprisingly against already-relegated Rochdale.

Lee Bell's side have won 36 of their 54 points this season at home, so they will be glad to be among familiar surroundings again after a win against Swindon Town here on Saturday.

Six defeats from seven away from home show the difference in fortunes on the road, but with a chance of moving into the top half from 16th with two positive results to finish the season could provide encouragement.

Crewe Alexandra League Two form:

Bradford City League Two form:


Team News

Crewe started with five teenagers in their win over Swindon at the weekend, and Bell could opt to stick with them considering they are playing just for pride.

Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Tom Young made his debut for the club between the sticks in that win and should retain his place.

Rod McDonald was voted player of the season at the club's annual awards ceremony this week in a fine first season at the club and should start in the centre of defence.

The fitness of Rio Adebisi will be monitored as the club hope he can return before the end of the season, while Charlie Finney went off early at the weekend so is a doubt.

Hughes picked an unchanged Bradford team for the win over Northampton, but they did welcome back Adam Clayton after six games out with a hamstring injury.

Clayton was introduced in injury time shortly before the winner, but he may remain on the bench once more.

The ever-present Andy Cook scored on Saturday and assisted the winner, and he is set to be named League Two top scorer thanks to his excellent tally of 27 goals this season.

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Booth; Mellor, O'Riordan, McDonald, Uwakwe; Tabiner, Finnigan, Thomas; Agyei, Baker-Richardson, Long

Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Halliday, Stubbs, Critchlow-Noble, Ridehalgh; Gilliead, Smallwood, Walker; Banks, Cook, Nevers


SM words green background

We say: Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Bradford City

Crewe's home form has been excellent to close out the season, but they now come up against a side determined to make a late push for promotion.

Bradford have been superb in 2023 and should seal at least a playoff place before the final day here.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


ID:512816:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9010:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Crewe vs Bradford

Crewe Alexandra
33.3%
Draw
16.7%
Bradford City
50.0%
12
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Leyton Orient players celebrate after winning promotion to League One on April 18, 2023
Read Next:
This weekend's League Two permutations: Two could be promoted, Hartlepool face relegation
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Titans
31-12
Dolphins
FT
Seahawks
29-42
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Gillingham86111221019
2Walsall86021541118
3BarrowBarrow8512115616
4Notts County8431158715
5Port Vale84221311214
6AFC Wimbledon641194513
7Doncaster RoversDoncaster84131112-113
8Crewe AlexandraCrewe841389-113
9Chesterfield8332136712
10Fleetwood TownFleetwood7331107312
11Grimsby Town84041214-212
12Newport CountyNewport84041216-412
13Bradford CityBradford8323109111
14Harrogate TownHarrogate8314811-310
15Colchester UnitedColchester82331214-29
16Salford City723246-29
17Tranmere RoversTranmere723237-49
18Bromley82241012-28
19MK Dons8224710-38
20Cheltenham TownCheltenham8215913-47
21Swindon TownSwindon8134812-46
22Carlisle UnitedCarlisle82061017-76
23Morecambe8035611-53
24Accrington StanleyAccrington7034816-83


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!