Colchester v Crewe preview

Team news for Sunday's League One clash between Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra at Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Joe Dunne will hope to be able to stick with a winning line-up as Colchester prepare to welcome Crewe on Sunday. Dunne watched the U's record the biggest victory of his 15-month reign as they brushed aside Stevenage 4-0 on Boxing Day, registering back-to-back wins following their triumph at Oldham. The Irishman kept faith with the same starting XI for both matches and will now assess the bumps and bruises within his squad, with captain Brian Wilson substituted late on against Boro. Fit-again striker Freddie Sears will hope to make the bench as he looks to get minutes under his belt, although the game comes too soon for forwards Gavin Massey and Drey Wright as they look to make their long-awaited comebacks. Crewe boss Steve Davis could be without a number of first-team players for the trip to Colchester as he prepares his side to end a run of three winless games. Defender Adam Dugdale required a brain scan after suffering concussion in last Saturday's draw with Shrewsbury and will definitely miss out but Mathias Pogba (knee) and Ryan Colclough (stomach) are nearing full fitness. Davis will also have to make do without long-term absentees Neil Etheridge (thigh) and Steve Phillips (shoulder) while striker Max Clayton (ankle) and defender Ollie Turton (knee) are not expected to feature. The Railwaymen will arrive in Essex looking for their first win on the road since mid-October but will be encouraged by last season's trip to Colchester when strikes from Luke Murphy and Pogba secured a 2-1 win.