Bury – Crewe Alexandra. Mark O’Haire’s prediction

Rock-bottom Crewe are in the midst of a severe injury crisis. Just six players were available for a light training session on Monday morning as the Alex prepare for Tuesday night’s trip to Bury.

Boss Steve Davis will need to fill the bench with kids as he bids to bring the Railwaymen back from the brink. Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan was fortunate and in their last two outings they’ve been out-shot 13-43 – so no great surprise to see them struggling for survival.

Crewe have taken 11 of their 21-point tally on their travels but their last five as guests have resulted in four defeats, shipping at least two goals in each clash. And since Davis took charge, the Alex have W4-D9-L29 in League One trips to top-half teams, losing by at least two goals in 20/42 (48%).

Bury are sitting outside the top-12 on goal difference and ended a wretched away run with three points in their derby at Oldham on Saturday. Manager David Flitcroft was delighted with his team’s show and following a run of W5-D2-L2 at their Gigg Lane home since September, should be good enough to pick up maximum points.

The odds on the hosts have tumbled since Monday morning but 1.66 is still available, but a better value option might be to back Bury odd a -1 handicap.