PREVIEW: Swindon Town v Crewe Alexandra

SWINDON TOWN host Crewe Alexandra at the County Ground today as Richie Wellens' side face off against another promotion rival. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi previews the clash.

The loss of top goalscorer Eoin Doyle during the week means that Jerry Yates will likely lead the line for Swindon. 

A late equaliser for Bradford City saw Swindon held to a 1-1 draw last time out, but just one loss in 12 league games has seen Town cement themselves as the league leaders. 

Crewe have won many plaudits this season for their patient, passing game that has seen them blow teams away at times. David Artell's side ran out 3-1 winners against Swindon earlier in the season. 

Injuries have hit Swindon hard in recent weeks with Zeki Fryers, Mathieu Baudry, Ellis Iandolo and Keshi Anderson all suffering injuries whilst Gabriel Zakuani has left the club following the end of his contract leaving Town short of numbers in defence. 

Anthony Grant could be required to fill in at centre-back again, as he has done on a few occasions this season, after penning a permanent deal with Swindon during the week. 

Paul Caddis also extended his contract with Swindon until 2021 during the week after impressing since returning to the club. 

Crewe have been impressive on the road this season, and the Railwaymen can boast the fourth-best record on the road this season in League Two. 

Artell's side has picked up 20 points from a possible 33 on their travels, and have scored an impressive 20 away goals this season - which is only topped by Swindon's 25. 

Crewe don't just rely on one outlet for goals, with five players bagging five or more for them this season. Chris Porter is their top goalscorer this season with ten goals, and he netted against Town earlier in the season. 

It has taken a while for Wellens to find a winning formula at home, but Swindon haven't tasted defeat at home since September and have the third best home form in the league. 

Eight wins and two draws has seen Town claim 26 points from a possible 39 at home this season. 

Four points from a difficult two games against Plymouth and Bradford has seen Swindon stay top of the league, but a defeat to Crewe would see Alex close the gap to just three points with the Railwaymen also having two games in hand. 

Injuries are starting to impact Swindon's squad heavily, and Wellens will just be looking to come out of this period relatively unscathed and still in the top three.