THE GROUND
Alexandra Stadium Gresty Road Crewe Cheshire CW2 6EB
Crewe Alexandra have been based at the Alexandra Stadium, more commonly known to most supporters as Gresty Road, since 1906.
The 10,066 capacity ground has four separate stands and the official end for visiting supporters is the Blue Bell BMW Stand, which holds 1,680.
THE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
It is approximately 170 miles from Griffin Park to Gresty Road by road, travelling via the A406, M1, M6, A500, A5020, A532, and A534 to the B5071.
There is no parking, except for residents, around the stadium for away supporters.
The nearest car park at the ground is behind the Air Products Stand; a pay and display car park that costs £2.50.
The nearest station is Crewe, which is served by Virgin Trains, from London Euston.
The Supporters' Association will be running coaches to every game this season - details of times and prices will be announced in due course.
THE FIXTURES
Brentford will welcome Crewe to Griffin Park on Saturday August 25.
The Bees will travel to Cheshire for the return fixture on Saturday February 16.
THE RECENT HISTORY
Crewe have returned to League One after a three-year absence, winning the League Two play-off final 2-0 against Cheltenham Town. It marks upturn in their fortunes after suffering relegation from the Championship in 2006.
An unbeaten run from February to the season's end proved decisive, with Crewe finishing in seventh place.
It was a marked improvement on the previous campaign, which ended in tenth position. Dario Gradi stepped down in November 2011 after 1,404 games as manager to concentrate on the academy, leaving the way for Steve Davis.
THE MANAGER
Steve Davis took the unenviable task of succeeding Dario Gradi but achieved promotion in his first season in charge.
The 46-year-old had been an assistant to firstly Gudjon Thordarson, then Gradi, at Gresty Road since May 2009.
He started his playing career at Stoke City without making any first team appearances before a move to Gresty Road.
Four years followed before a move to Burnley, where he established himself as one of the lower leagues most coveted defenders.
A seven year spell at Barnsley together with a move to Oxford completed his league career.
He then joined Macclesfield Town, and finished his non-league career with Northwich Victoria and Nantwich Town - where he was player-manager of both clubs.
THE TOP SCORER
Striker Nick Powell finished as the club's top scorer with a total of 16 goals in all competitions that earned him a move to Manchester United after the season's end.
The England U18 international passed a medical and agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012, Crewe receiving an undisclosed fee.
He made his debut at the age of 16 as a second half substitute for future Brentford striker Clayton Donaldson, becoming the second youngest player ever to appear for Crewe Alexandra.
THE KEY MEN
There have been no new additions thus far to Steve Davis' squad, with Alex missing out on Cullum Kennedy to Scunthorpe United.
He faces the prospect of losing out-of-contract winger Bryon Moore, who has yet to tell the club of his intentions.
Swindon's Billy Bodin performed well on loan and the manager has told Crewe's official website that he would like to sign him permanently.
Goalkeeper Steve Phillips, now 34, was ever-present in the promotion winning side. His former clubs include both Bristol City and Rovers, entering into his fourth season at the club.
Midfielder Luke Murphy has played over 120 league matches for Crewe, missing only four games last season.
The 23-year-old former scholar signed professional forms in 2008.
Defender Adam Dugdale came through the Crewe academy but he was given a second chance in 2010 by Dario Gradi after being released three years prior.
His defensive colleague - and former academy graduate - Harry Davis made 41 appearances last season, latterly under the stewardship of his father, Steve.
Striker AJ Leitch-Smith made his breakthrough last term, 31 starting appearances and nine goals guaranteed his first-team squad place.
THE FIRST MEETING
September 12 1962, Football League Division Four - Crewe Alexandra 3 Brentford 0
Brentford line-up: Cakebread; Coote, Gitsham; Crowe, Dargie, Higginson; Block, Summers, McAdams, Dick, McLeod
THE LAST MEETING
April 9 2007, npower League One - Crewe Alexandra 3 Brentford 1
Brentford line-up: Nelson; O'Connor, Heywood, Frampton, Keith (sub Charles); Taylor, Pinault, Leary (sub Mousinho), Brooker; Kuffour (sub Willock), Owusu.
Subs (not used): Abbey, Griffiths
Brentford goal scorer: Kevin O'Connor
Three points for Crewe consigned Brentford to relegation and manager Scott Fitzgerald was sacked following this defeat.
THE MEMORABLE DAY
May 25 1997, Division Two Play-Off Final - Brentford 0 Crewe Alexandra 1
Brentford line-up: Dearden; Hurdle (sub Ashby), Hutchings, Bates. Anderson; Bent (sub Canham), Smith, Statham, Asaba; McGhee, Taylor.
Subs (not used): Fernandes.
Brentford are convincingly beaten in the Division Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
THE ODDS
Brentford's partner bookmaker Coral is offering 40/1 on Crewe Alexandra winning League One next season.
Those who back the Cheshire side can get ¼ of the odds if they finish in the top three.
Every bet you make with Coral benefits Brentford FC - click here to see the League One market.