Nigel Adkins looks ahead to Crewe clash

Nigel Adkins is wary of the challenge posed by Crewe Alexandra at The Valley on Tuesday evening and insists his side won't be resting on their laurels against a side who have plenty of pride to play for as their season draws to a close.

With four games remaining, the Addicks are well and truly in the frame for the play-offs and Tuesday's clash provides them with the opportunity to regain their footing in the top six.

“It makes it an even more challenging game," explained Adkins.

"I’ll tell you why, because they can be carefree. We have done the analysis now of the last seven games and they have changed their formation. They have got three or four formations they can potentially play - to start the game or change the game. They have got some real good threats in their team.

“They will play with a confidence. I use the word carefree in the proper way, in the sense they are not going to go up or go down. They can go and express themselves.

“We’ve got to be on our game," he continued.

"And because of where Crewe are in the league table and where we are, and also because we’re at home, we have to avoid the expectation that all we have to do is just turn up and that we should win the game. We know it’s going to be challenging. The preparation will be right because we know we have got to give the opposition all the respect they deserve. But likewise we want to impose ourselves on them and do what we want to do.”

Meanwhile, the Valley boss provided an injury update after Diallang Jaiyesimi was forced off during Saturday's defeat to Peterborough United, while there was better news for Ryan Inniss and Ian Maatsen.

"DJ is a big blow really, he’s not fit for this game," he said.

"We’ve got good medical staff here, that’s an important message. He’s not fit for this game, and let’s see how we progress from there.

“Ryan [Inniss] trained this morning. Ian [Maatsen] has trained with the group this morning as well.”

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