Crewe remain without injured duo Kelvin Mellor and Ajay Leitch-Smith.
Mellor had a scan on a knee cartilage problem this week and received positive news that the damage was not as bad as first feared.
The utility man has returned to light training but this weekend comes too soon for him, as it does for forward Leitch-Smith, who will soon be able to step up his own recovery from an ankle injury.
In-form forward Lauri Dalla Valle is available to face the Brewers, as are fellow loanees Chuks Aneke and Brad Inman.
Newcastle youngster Inman will make his senior debut if selected in midfield by Alex boss Steve Davis.
Michael West could provide an attacking option among the substitutes for Davis after overcoming the effects of illness.
Zander Diamond is suspended for Burton.
Diamond is serving a one-match ban after he was shown a straight red card during the 3-0 league defeat at Wycombe last weekend.
Marcus Holness will replace Diamond in the starting line-up and partner Nathan Stanton at the heart of the defence.
Calvin Zola returned to action against the Chairboys after a head injury and should keep his place in the team against his former club.
The striker, along with midfielder Lee Bell, both joined Burton from Crewe and Albion boss Gary Rowett said: "Having ex-Crewe players in our side gives us a nice edge - as long as they try to prove a point in the right direction.
"I know when the draw was made both were really pleased as it gave them the chance to go back to their old club. But it won't be just about those two because this game is a chance for one or two other players to impress and show they can get back to their best form."
