Crewe Preview

By Longsider
December 23 2003

Burnley are back on the road on Boxing Day but thankfully the journey isn't a long one. Its not often the fixture list get's it right but for once we don't have to travel a great distance in our festive away trip.

Recent away games in the festive period haven't been the most fruitful for Burnley. Last season we drew 2-2 at Brighton on the 28th....even though we were 2-0 up with a minute to go.

The season before we had that fateful game at City when we were hammered 5-1 and most people point to this result as the turning point in that season.

Our last away game on Boxing Day never actually happened though because it was called off at Rotherham about an hour before kick off.

Crewe away is always an interesting game. The fixutre was the penuliamate fixture in the 'Orient' season when we were beaten 1-0 with our league status hanging by a thread. In more recent times we've seen a 4-2 defeat in a game where 4 penalties were given but our last game at Gresty Road ended in victory for the Clarets with a rare Gareth Taylor goal by his foot and a second half Alan Moore strike enough to ensure the points came our way.

The keeper and the defence have been the main talking point this week following the shambles at Deepdale on Saturday. Although we've had a keeper in on trial its full expected that Brian Jensen will keep his place for the game.

At the back though there could be major changes with Lee Roche, Mark McGregor and Graham Branch all within a chance of getting a recall. Loan signing James McEvely may be given a start but at this stage its all guess work.

There have been no new injuries to report so its likely that the midfield and forwards stay the same so Luke Chadwick will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

Crewe are struggling with injuries for the game with Dave Brammer, David Vaughan, Rich Walker, Adie Moses and Chris McCready all doubtful for the game.

Gradi has gone on record as saying the Railwaymen only have 4 fit defenders. Crewe were beaten at home on Saturday and with the side down to the barebones they are surely going to be a side that we ought to beat.....but you never know with Burnley though do you?

Predicted Burnley Team:-
Jensen, Roche, McEvely, Gnohere, Camara, Little, Weller, Grant, Chaplow, BLake, Moore.

Subs: Branch, West, May, Chadwick and O'Neill.

The referee is Trevor Parkes(West Midlands)