BIG MONEY MAN: Surprisingly, Crewe have spent a few bob in recent times. Rodney Jack cost £650,000 from Torquay in1998 while the £500,000 paid to Shrewsbury for defender Dave Walton could rise to a record £700,000. Both could miss tonight.

LAST SIX RESULTS: Gillingham (A) won 0-1 (Little); Huddersfield (H) won 1-0 (Cramb); Wimbledon (H) lost 0-4; Portsmouth (A) lost 2-1 (Smith); Sheffield United (A) lost 1-0 Birmingham City (H) lost 0-2

SEASON SO FAR: It's been a bit of a struggle so far but six points from their last two games have lifted Crewe out of the bottom four. Away from home, Dario Gradi's men have won two and lost five without a draw so far.

MANAGER: Dario Gradi is the longest serving manager in the English game. The one-time Wimbledon boss was appointed in June, 1983 and has transformed the Railwaymen from perennial Fourth Division strugglers to an outfit known for good football.TOP SCORER: Colin Little's winner at Gillingham on Saturday made him one of three players on three goals for the season, along with Mark Rivers and Rob Hulse. A £50,000 buy from non-league Hyde United four years ago, Little is a nippy little striker who has bagged all his goals in Division One.

PREDICTED LINE-UP: Crewe will show at least one change from the side that won at Gillingham on Saturday. Paul Tait serves a one match ban and either Colin Cramb or Rob Hulse could replace him if they prove their fitness.

ONE TO WATCH: Scot Colin Cramb has been out of favour at Gresty Road this season but could make his first start of the season if he recovers from a back injury. The 26-year-old striker has played for a handful of clubs north and south of the border but retains a keen eye for goal.

DID YOU KNOW? Not only is Crewe manager Dario Gradi a member of the board at Gresty Road, he is also an MBE thanks to his services to the game.