BY TOBY ROBINSON

WELCOME break? With league form currently in freefall for Crewe Alexandra perhaps a little magic in the FA Cup may provide a much-needed boost.

The third round clash is at Cardiff City - perhaps not!

After what would have been a battle of Division One's bottom two, Alex boss Dario Gradi used the postponement of QPR's visit to take a look at the Bluebirds on New Year's Day.

A goal-fest was in store at Ninian Park and Cardiff's 6-1 thrashing of Exeter convinced Gradi that a tough task lies ahead.

"I saw Cardiff's demolition of Exeter and I have to say they looked good, very good," confessed Gradi.

"They were good all over and their level of ability reminded me of us during our good days.

"On current form we're likely to play them next season.

"They're going like a bomb and look like winning promotion while we are looking like being relegated.

"They play well, they've spent well and it looks like they're going to give us more than a good game.

"Although we're looking to win, I'll be happy if we bring them back here."

Injuries have taken their toll over the festive period with several key personnel ruled out at one stage or another and Gradi hopes the situation will ease in time for Saturday's trip over the border.

"We're not looking well but they should be training this week," he said.

"We don't think Rivo had head concussion, we think he was ill and we'll see if we can get him back to some sort of fitness in time.

"Rodney's still feeling his back problem but he'll train within reason."

Both along with David Wright should be ready to play some part at the Welsh capital along with any impressive figures from this week's practise match with Notts Forest.

Surprisingly Phil Charnock is set to figure and after looking like a non-starter this season, an injury-free 90 minutes from the 25-year-old midfielder will be a welcome boost for the Alex engine room.

"It's a game that gives players like Gannon and Charnock a chance to go," said Gradi.

"With Phil it's a question of when he is ready to play now. If he looks anything like ready, I'd like to give him a go.

"We were so far below par at Blackburn during the second half I don't think he could do any worse than some of them.

"I'm also going to suggest that Dave Walton plays in it. I'd like him to play midfield and just have a run about."

Kevin Street is also battling back from injury but is unlikely to be ready for the Cardiff trip.

The FA Cup clash is all-ticket and no tickets will be available at the ground on match day.

Tickets are available from Crewe Alex prior to Saturday. They are priced at £10 for adults and £6 concessions.