Brentford duo Tony Craig and Harlee Dean have been handed starts by manager Mark Warburton after overcoming injury setbacks.
Craig is fit enough to start the contest for the visitors despite breaking his hand, while Dean has shaken off a groin problem.
Sam Saunders, meanwhile, has failed to recover from a knee injury in time for the Bees, while former Crewe Alexandra man Clayton Donaldson starts up front.
The hosts have named Harry Davis in their starting lineup after the defender recovered a knee injury, but Ollie Turton misses out.
The Railwaymen are currently one point above the League One relegation zone.
Crewe Alexandra: Garratt, Tootle, Ellis, Davis, Guthrie, Osman, Grant, Evans, Inman, Pogba, Aneke
Subs: Phillips, Mellor, Dugdale, Moore, Nolan, Oliver, Waters
Brentford: Button, Forshaw, Craig, Dean, Douglas, Donaldson, McCormack, Saville, Judge, Bidwell, Judge
Subs: Lee, O'Connor, Grigg, Dallas, Reeves, Tarkowski, Yennaris
Daniel Lewis
