Oxford United will be looking to keep their faint hopes of reaching the playoffs alive when they take on Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
The U’s had a dreadful Easter weekend, losing to both Sunderland and Accrington Stanley, dropping to six points off the top six as a result.
As for Crewe, they picked up a win against in-form MK Dons and sit just two places and two points behind the U’s in 14th.
Crewe have had inconsistencies in recent weeks and, despite winning their last two away games, have lost their previous two matches at the Alexandra Stadium.
Although reports suggest Josh Ruffels is close to a return, he hasn’t been involved in a matchday squad since the win over Lincoln. It’s a similar story for Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, who last played in the defeat at Northampton. Mark Sykes is available after missing Monday’s game through suspension.
Mikael Mandron scored twice against the Dons to take his tally to 12 in all competitions while Oli Finney has registered eight goals but is out with injury. Owen Dale has added nine goals, Charlie Kirk has six and Chris Porter five. Callum Ainley is an injury doubt.
Mandron and Dale scored when the sides met at Grenoble Road earlier in the season. As a result, the Alex have won the last three meetings between the two sides. The U’s have managed just two wins at the Alexandra Stadium with both coming in the 1990s.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Jamie Hanson, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Liam Kelly, Brandon Barker, Elliot Lee, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Oxford United
