by Gwyn Griffiths

MAT Mitchel-King should return to Crewe's defence tonight (7.45pm) after manager Dario Gradi hinted at changes for the League Two re-arranged home clash with relegation-haunted Grimsby Town.

The fixture will need to survive a noon pitch inspection after several nights of frost have taken their toll on the Gresty Road surface.

But if it does, Gradi is likely to freshen up his starting XI in a bid to improve on the disappointing weekend draw with Barnet.

Skipper Mitchel-King hasn't played since suffering ankle ligament damage against Darlington on January 23.

But Gradi said: "Mat could be in my plans as I've got a couple of changes in mind. I might do a bit of tinkering to see if we can get a better result.

"Our defending is better than it was, but it's still not good enough. Even after we equalised on Saturday, our keeper had to make a good save to keep us in it. We won't win games unless we stop the goals going in."

Gradi will also check on midfielder James Bailey's fitness and is considering switching Ashley Westwood back to a central role.

Leading scorer Calvin Zola will feature on the bench if he declares himself fit.

Gradi said: "We'll see how Calvin is, but I don't think I will change the front two at the moment. Clayton Donaldson scored twice at the weekend and I don't want to leave Shaun Miller out." explained Gradi, who admits he won't accept Crewe are safe from relegation until they have clocked 50 points. They currently have 43.

Visitors Grimsby have improved their chances of avoiding a stint in non-League by claiming their first win since September 19 when they beat Shrewsbury 3-0 at the weekend.

"They're a big club who won't expect to go down to the Blue Square Premier, so they will be tough opponents," noted Gradi.