Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell is weighing up squad rotation ahead of Tuesday's League Two clash with Walsall at the Mornflake Stadium. The fixture kicks off at 7.45pm and pits fifth-placed Crewe against a Saddlers side sitting second with an unbeaten start.
Bell's side finished 11th in the final 2025 League Two table, amassing 67 points from 46 games with a record of 19 wins, 10 draws and 17 losses. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was DLLLW. The manager now has a welcome selection headache with several players returning to full fitness, including Conor Thomas, Joe White, goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, and Owen Lunt. Forwards Charlie McNeill and Kyle Ure, along with Adrien Thibaut, are also in contention for their first league starts of the season.
Lee Bell confirmed he is looking at using his full squad for the match against high-flying Walsall. "We’ve got some really good options," Bell said. "Some will be fed up that they haven’t got enough minutes yet, but it’s going to be a squad game this season." This approach suggests changes from the side that began the campaign, which Bell described as one of the toughest starts on paper. The return of key personnel provides Bell with the flexibility to freshen up his lineup. Supporters can track the selected team and upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page.
Tuesday's visitors present a significant challenge. Walsall have collected seven points from their opening games to sit second in the early table, playing under new management in Lee Grant. Bell highlighted the tactical shift the Saddlers have undergone. "Walsall are another team under new management and they play a completely different style of football to what they had been doing," he noted. Crewe's overall goal difference from the previous season was +6, having scored 64 and conceded 58, a statistic they will aim to improve upon starting with this tough fixture. The full standings show Crewe ended the 2025 season 20 points behind champions Bromley.
The competition for places has intensified. Midfielder Conor Thomas and playmaker Joe White offer experience and creativity in the centre of the park. Their availability is a major boost for Bell's plans. Goalkeeper Ian Lawlor provides another option between the posts, while Owen Lunt's return adds depth in defence. Up front, the prospect of Charlie McNeill leading the line from the beginning is a talking point, with Kyle Ure and Adrien Thibaut also eager to make an impact. The complete roster is available on the official squad list.
Bell's decision will be revealed when the teams are announced an hour before the 7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday at the Mornflake Stadium.
