Monday night

Crewe V Leeds United

Two teams heading in different directions meet up in this clash at The Alexandra Stadium on Monday night. Both teams need three points and both for very different reasons.

Crewe’s recent form has been very poor. Only five points taken from a possible twenty four has left them struggling on 28 points, only barely above the drop zone.
Their home form has deserted them and they have dropped points against Walsall Doncaster and Gillingham in recent times. On new years day they overcame Tranmere 4 – 3 in a game where form and defending went out the window. Manager Steve Holland has had a quiet January transfer period but with the exception of Billy Jones who has damaged cartilage, theres a full squad to chose from.

Crewe’s last 5 home games

Crewe 1 0 Northampton 17/11/2007
Crewe 2 3 Gillingham 04/12/2007
Crewe 0 0 Walsall 08/12/2007
Crewe 0 4 Doncaster 22/12/2007
Crewe 4 3 Tranmere 01/01/2008

Leeds are going through the annual bad patch that most teams go through. Their away form has been poor with only two points taken from the last four games. Defeats at Swansea and to lowly Cheltenham have seriously derailed their league ambitions and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways. Dennis Wise has taken the opportunity to strengthen his squad in the transfer market with midfielders Seb Sorsa, Bradley Johnson, Peter Sweeney and defender Darren Kenton coming into the fold.
Rui Marques is on international duty but captain Alan Thompson looks like being fit again.

Leeds last 5 away games

Bournemouth 1 3 Leeds 06/11/2007
Cheltenham 1 0 Leeds 25/11/2007
Walsall 1 1 Leeds 15/12/2007
Hartlepool 1 1 Leeds 26/12/2007
Swansea 3 2 Leeds 29/12/2007


Verdict
As I mentioned, both teams need points for different reasons. Both are going through a bad spell but I believe Wise has invested wisely and strengthened an already strong squad. These signings may prove the difference as they try and make up ground on the leaders. Crewe have only one win from the last nine games and confidence is low. Leeds have only been beaten 4 times all season and have only failed to score in one game. They should have enough attacking power to take advantage of a side that has conceded 13 goals in the last 5 games
Leeds to win 2 – 1 or 3 - 1

Pick
Leeds win (1.91 @ blue sq) 4 points
Over 2.5 goals (2 @ bluesq) 2 points