CREWE Alexandra return to league action this Saturday, taking on newly promoted Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

The Saddlers have made a steady start to life in Division One, drawing both matches, opening goalless at home to Swindon and earning a creditable 1-1 share of the spoils at Sheffield United, last week.

They also smashed third division Plymouth 4-1 in the Worthington Cup first round, first leg.

Dario Gradi witnessed the Sheffield draw and was impressed by the Saddler's display.

"They're a hard-working side and well organised with some big guys in defence and up front. Wrack's their goalscorer and he looks dangerous along with Mark Williams, we'll have to be careful on set pieces." he commented. "We took some great support to Palace, I'm sure we will to Walsall"

The ten-day break since Hartlepool has given players who took knocks from that game, time to recover their fitness and the squad should be almost the same.

Mark Rivers trained for the first time since the Nantwich game on Tuesday and Gradi's aim is to have him start up front with new hitman Colin Cramb against Walsall.

Dave Walton won't figure. Although his back injury doesn't require surgery he needs rest in order to regain his fitness.

Crewe were due to play a private reserve match yesterday against Cameroon's under 23 side at the request of the FA, giving a chance for Lightfoot, Foran, Tait and Peter Smith to make an impression.

Possible squad: Kearton, D Wright, Smith, Macauley, Unsworth, Charnock, Lunt, Little, Rivers, Cramb, Jack, Sorvel, Bignot, S Wright, Tait, Welsby.

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