​DARIO Gradi plans to deploy his heavy armour when Crewe face League Two  newcomers Stevenage’s  aerial threat today (3pm).

Gradi expects the Blue Square Premier champions to unleash their heavy artillery at set-plays during the Alex’s first visit to the Lamex Stadium.

But he feels his side can repel the threat helped by giant striker Calvin Zola and defender Mat Mitchel-King, who gets another game as emergency right-back.

Zola, fit again after a knee injury, replaced Joel Grant at Lincoln last weekend and Gradi noted: “This will be a good game to keep Calvin in.

“Chris Sutton (the Lincoln manager) commented on how big a team we were last week and we might need to stay like that.

“Stevenage are a big side too, who pose a major threat from set-plays. But we’ve been defending at corners and free-kicks much better this season.

“I don’t know much about Stevenage but they’re used to being successful and they’ll have the confidence that  goes with that.”

Crewe could do with the boost of a win after two defeats from their first four games have left them in the bottom half of the table.

Gradi added: “If we want to do something this season we’ve got to get winning, but I might be satisfied with a point from this one.”, it would be nice to get our second league win under our belts.”

“I think we’ve improved as a team even though we’ve sold £1m worth of players (John Brayford and James Bailey).”