Crewe v Oxford United preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Crewe Alexandra and Oxford United at Gresty Road.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi will again be missing rookie striker Nick Powell through suspension. The 17-year-old was sent off for a studs-up challenge during the recent 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury, eight minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute. He now serves the final game of a three-match suspension but Matt Tootle has returned to training after a groin strain and is back in contention. The Alex ended a dismal five-match losing streak when they won 1-0 at Plymouth last Saturday to finally kickstart their campaign. AJ Leitch-Smith and Carl Martin are available after being rested for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Bury in midweek but Byron Moore is rated very doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Oxford should have a rejuvenated squad. Unlike their opponents, the U's had a bye in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and did not face a midweek fixture. Tony Capaldi is still an absentee as he recovers from his back operation, while Tom Craddock's knee injury could also see him out for at least another week. However the U's will welcome loan striker Jonathan Franks to the squad, although he might not be deemed match fit to start as he is yet to feature for parent-club Middlesbrough this season. James Constable, who has three goals in his last two games and was linked with Swindon and Luton in the transfer window, should retain his place in the starting XI after staying at the Kassam Stadium.