Manager Paul Jewell is predicting a cracker of a game between two teams who like to get the ball down and pass it.
And while it will be a real test of their ability, Latics make the trip boasting the best away record in the whole Nationwide League, let alone Division Two.
They have won 11 times on their travels in the league, conceding only seven goals in their 15 games.
Jewell said: "It is set up for a great game under the lights and there should be a cracking atmosphere.
"Dario Gradi's sides always have bags of movement and we will have to match them for work rate.
"We are a neat footballing team too and like to pass the ball, so I'm sure both sides are looking forward to it.
"Our away record is better than our home record so we must be doing something right."
This is the second attempt to play the game, the original fixture having fallen victim to frost two Saturdays ago.
Jewell said: "The fourth official for the original game was actually the referee at Wycombe on Saturday.
"He told me the pitch was rock hard. There was no skulduggery by anyone, the pitch simply wasn't playable."
Jewell is expected to keep an unchanged team tonight, with Steve McMillan continuing at left-back in place of Peter Kennedy who has chickenpox.
Kennedy's absence further reduces a squad already on the small side, and trainee Chris Lynch was in the travelling party at Wycombe to make up the numbers.
One player who should enjoy the passing battle against Crewe is recent signing Jimmy Bullard.
The midfielder put in his most assured performance so far at the weekend and Jewell is delighted to see the £275,000 buy settling in.
He said: "I'm pleased but not surprised how well he has done. Jimmy has got great confidence about him, he can't get enough of the ball, and is very enthusiastic.
"The other lads thought he was a bit of a Jonah at first because we drew the first two games he played!
"He's been brought up at West Ham, got a good grounding at Peterborough, and was ready to move on when he came here. At Peterborough, Jimmy was playing a free role in a three man midfield, but here he has his defensive duties to do."
Crewe will be without influential midfielder Dave Brammer tonight, the former Wrexham man having failed to recover from a groin strain.
One of Jewell's previous visits to Gresty Road saw him experience mixed emotions when in charge at Bradford.
He explained: "After a few games as caretaker manager, the chairman pulled me to one side and said he was going to offer me the job full-time.
"But that was providing we didn't get beat 5-0 in our next game which was at Crewe.
"What happened? We were 4-0 down at half-time, and lost 5-0, but I still got the job!"
Article from the Wigan Evening Post.