Another player also out injured is Alsager born Lee Bell who looks to be another 2-3 weeks away after picking up an injury against Southport.
Crewe boss Dario Gradi will hand debuts to Julien Baudet and Darran Kempson with both playing in the centre of defence.
Former Chester winger Ryan Lowe also get's the nod over Luke Varney and Michael O'Connor as Crewe look to get goals which have eluded them during pre-season.
Tony Grant looks to have got over a tight groin strain and Ben Williams has looked to have shrugged off a shoulder injury which he picked up last week in a friendly.
Probable Team:- Williams, Otsemobor, Kempson, Baudet, Billy Jones, Lowe, Gary Roberts, Grant, Vaughan, Rodgers, Higdon.
Early team news for Northampton Town is that Cobblers boss John Gorman looks set to give debuts to Andy Holt (Wrexham), Joe Burnell (Wycombe) and Sam Aiston (Tranmere). New signing James Quinn may have to be content with a place on the bench after he signed on a free transfer from League Two outfit Peterborough United. The attacking duo of Andy Kirk who Crewe were interested in two seasons ago will link up with new club captain Scott McGleish as the colbbers look to take all three points from the Railwaymen.
Match Odds
Crewe to win 5/6
Northampton to win 11/4
Draw 12/5
First goalscorer
Luke Rodgers 5/1
Michael Higdon 11/2
Andy Kirk 7/1
Scott McGleish 7/1
Ryan Lowe 8/1
Site editors prediction is 1-1 draw.