One of the form sides since the turn of the year, Crewe have been in and around the upper reaches of the table throughout the campaign, but consecutive defeats at home to Morecambe, when Crewe saw a 2-0 lead turn in to a 3-2 defeat, and at Doncaster on Saturday have stalled their progress a little and they go in to Tuesday’s game in fifth place, five points out of the automatic promotion spots. They have won ten and lost four of their eighteen home games this season, with Barrow, Salford and Stockport the clubs in addition to Morecambe who have won at the Mornflake Stadium.

Five points is also the gap between Sutton and a position outside the relegation zone, and U’s will hope to be boosted by the late point gained against Grimsby on Saturday in a game in which U’s were grateful to goalkeeper Steve Arnold for several saves that prevented the visitors leading by more than the one goal by the time Charlie Lakin converted a penalty for his fourth goal since joining on loan from Burton Albion. 

The sides drew 1-1 at Sutton in November, Louis John equalising Coutney Baker-Richardson’s fine effort for Crewe, and the striker who is in double figures for this season was also the match winner in the corresponding fixture at Crewe early last season, although goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, now at Wrexham, was also a key contrbutor to Crewe’s 1-0 win.

Tomorrow’s referee is Andrew Humphries, a National League referee this season who is taking charge of his first EFL game having a fortnight ago been in the middle for the top of the table National League game between Barnet and Chesterfield.

As it is a midweek game it will be live streamed through our iFollow service, with a match pass costing £10. You can buy a pass here. 

For supporters travelling to the game, ticket prices are: Adults (age 20-64) £27; Concession (age 65+/age 17-19) £21; Age 12-16 £13; Age 11and under £7.50. Wheelchair supporters’  tickets are priced at £21 with carer free of charge, and ambulant disabled pay the relevant price for their age with a free carer admitted with evidence of full time carer status. Sutton supporters are housed in the Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Van Stand.

The Supporters’ Coach leaves at 12.30pm.  
 
Independent travellers going by car should leave the M6 at Junction 16 and take the A500, then turning right at a roundabout on to the A5020. At the second roundabout take the second exit on to the A532 Weston Road. Parking for visiting supporters is in this road, in the street on the industrial estate on the right hand side. It’s about a ten minute walk from the ground. To get to the ground carry on to the roundabout at the end, turn left to go past Crewe station, and then take the second left in to Gresty Road. There is also a pay and display car park at the ground. On the return journey drivers using the M1 should be prepared for it to be closed between junctions 14 and 13 around Milton Keynes, and may prefer to use the M40 as an alternative.
 
By rail: There are frequent trains from Euston to Crewe, the quickest taking just over an hour and a half, but fares get expensive after 3pm. The last direct return train that will get you back the same night is at 22.04 and gets to Euston at 1.17am, but you can also get the 22.13 and connect with the same service at Rugby . The ground is a five minute walk from the station, turning left out of the station then second left to Gresty Road.