Crewe Alexandra are without David Artell for this evening's League Two playoff encounter against Southend United.

The defender has broken a bone in his foot which will take several weeks to recover from.

Meanwhile, reported Manchester United transfer target Nick Powell will start in an advanced midfield role.

Visiting Southend will begin the match with veteran striker Neil Harris in attack, while Kane Ferdinand has been handed a midfield role.

Crewe: Phillips; Tootle, Davis, Dugdale, Mellor; C Martin, Westwood, Murphy, Moore; Leitch-Smith, Powell

Southend: Belford; Clohessy, Hall, Mohsni, Grant; Timlin, Ferdinand, Phillips; Barker, Harris