'Pool vs Crewe: Possible Team

After arriving back from London with a decent point in the bag over the weekend, The Seasiders play in Cheshire tonight as they take on League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra.

But the make-up of the tangerine eleven is likely to be far different to that which played on Saturday.

Matt Gilks is set to start in goal, with manager Ian Holloway wanting to give every player a fair crack of the whip. Rachubka will sit out after his heroic performance at QPR, but will almost certainly be back for the Cardiff game.

At the back, it's unlikely much will change. With Neal Eardley away on international duty with Wales, Alex John-Baptiste will retain his place at right back.

Ashley Eastham might have played a part tonight in the back four but he is on loan at Hyde United, so I wouldn't bet against Rob Edwards and Ian Evatt being paired together again.

Whether Stephen Crainey plays at left back after having a thorough workload at the weekend remains to be seen. Joe Martin, who made the bench for the league opener, could come in.

Or with the left hand side of midfield vacant due to David Vaughan's situation, Martin could play there. However, it is perhaps more likely that Billy Clarke will make his debut for 'Pool out on the left.

If Holloway is to play a 4-5-1 again, the midfield will consist of new non-contract signings Adam Nowland and Adam Hudson, as well as either Charlie Adam or Keith Southern.

On the right hand side, Gary Taylor-Fletcher could be given a start in a further bid to boost his fitness. New signing Demontagnac is not deemed fit enough to start as of yet.

And lastly, with the absence of Ben Burgess through injury, captain Jason Euell may lead the line to give extra height and the ability to hold the ball up. If not, Brett Ormerod or Daniel Nardiello will fill the void.

The survivors of last season's debacle at Macclesfield Town will be hoping to get off to a good start in the cup this evening with a handsome victory.

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