Preston v Crewe preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup first-round clash between Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra at Deepdale.

Preston boss Phil Brown will swing the axe. North End were subjected to a humiliating 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Colchester on the opening day of the season. Brown accused his men of "unacceptable behaviour" following the reverse and confirmed: "One or two players who played on Saturday won't be playing against Crewe." Conor McLaughlin will again miss out with a hamstring injury, Ian Ashbee is still troubled by a knee problem and David Gray is also sidelined with a broken leg. Preston announced the signing of German striker Juvhel Tsoumou on a two-year contract from Alemannia Aachen at the weekend and he will hope to receive international clearance in time to feature against Crewe. Crewe boss Dario Gradi will recall midfielder Luke Murphy. Murphy was an unused substitute as the Railwaymen were beaten 3-0 at Swindon on the opening day of the season. And Gradi, who has no major injury concerns, will look to shuffle his pack against Phil Brown's side. He said: "I will look at making a couple of changes and Murphy will play. "There is no point having him on the bench for weeks and then turning around and say he is playing. "I have enough players in the squad to change things around, although that is difficult to do with the defenders because we are short of cover there."