I feel that the terms 'must win' and 'six pointer' are often overused. Sadly, they do on this occasion seem apt for our current predicament. After this game we have home matches against two play-off contenders with a trip to the Franchise, where we can't even score, sandwiched in between. I wouldn't expect more than a couple of points from those games at best. With Crewe's midweek win and the forthcoming fixtures for both teams, unless we beat them, there is a real risk we will start to fall adrift at the bottom.
It doesn't seem we have many options defensively, so Horwood, despite his weaknesses will start at left-back, unless Danny Holmes is fit and the manager has so little confidence in Horwood that he thinks it worth starting a right-back in his place. Another reason why it was a pity Ronnie fell out with McNulty, his ability to slot in at left-back would be useful now. Midfield, there have been suggestions Robinson will be back in contention. I hope that he does not start, as his lack of fitness hampers the side, when he is operating from left midfield. Keep Kirby there and Robinson can have a cameo from the bench. I'd expect Jennings and Koumas to start in central midfield, although I'm not entirely convinced about Jason's contribution lately. Kennedy on the right. Up front it will be Lowe (against one of his old teams) and Cassidy, will have to see how they gel as a pair and whether Jake's confidence in front of goal will return. Don't expect miracles or quick fixes, though as they have a young keeper, let's hope for a few efforts on target.
Crewe are a fairly young side with some decent loanees and despite results up until their midweek win, sounds like they have been a bit unlucky. Although I won't be able to make it, expect a reasonable turnout from Crewe, pushing the crowd to around 5k. A draw the most likely outcome, if not what's required.