softfootball.com match preview
On Saturday, Chesterfield will host title-chasing Notts County at the SMH Group Stadium in what promises to be an exciting League Two encounter. The hosts currently sit 12th in the league with 14 points from 10 matches, just two points shy of the playoff spots. Meanwhile, Notts County comes into the match in fifth place with 18 points, aiming to close in on league leaders Walsall.
Match Preview
Chesterfield heads into this clash having drawn their last two matches, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against league leaders Walsall on October 5. Despite creating no significant chances during that match and conceding five, the Blues managed to secure a point, showcasing their defensive resilience. Assistant manager Danny Webb expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to withstand pressure in the penalty area.
The hosts have proven difficult to beat recently, going unbeaten in their last four matches and losing just twice in their last 11 fixtures. Chesterfield’s home record is mixed, with two wins and four draws in six games at the SMH Group Stadium, but they have yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season.
In contrast, Notts County is looking to turn their fortunes around after suffering two consecutive defeats, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Port Vale in their last league outing. Manager Stuart Maynard expressed his belief that the winning goal should have been ruled out for offside but will be concerned about conceding three big chances despite dominating possession with 72%. Their midweek loss to Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy further compounded their woes, but Maynard praised the performance of his young players.
Despite their recent setbacks, Notts County has displayed strong form overall this season, boasting the highest average possession in the league, the joint third most goals per match, and the fourth fewest goals conceded. Prior to their recent losses, the Magpies were in excellent form, with six wins from eight matches, scoring 17 goals while conceding just seven.
Team News
Chesterfield will assess the fitness of Devan Tanton, who has missed the last two matches due to injury, alongside midfielder John Fleck. The hosts could field a similar lineup to that which drew with Walsall, with Max Thompson likely to start in goal and Chey Dunkley partnering Harvey Araujo in defense. Darren Oldaker and Tom Naylor are expected to play in midfield, while Will Grigg will lead the attack.
Notts County will be without winger Jodi Jones, who is sidelined with a fractured tibia. Alex Bass is expected to start in goal, shielded by a back three of Lewis Macari, Matthew Platt, and Jacob Bedeau. Daniel Crowley, Sam Austin, and Alassana Jatta may lead the attack, with Josh Martin potentially making an impact from the bench.
Predicted Lineups
Chesterfield
Thompson; Mandeville, Dunkley, Araujo, Gordon; Naylor, Oldaker; Markanday, Banks, Dobra; Grigg
Notts County
Bass; Macari, Platt, Bedeau; Gordon, Robertson, Palmer, Tsaroulla; Crowley, Austin; Jatta
Softfootball Prediction
Considering Chesterfield’s tendency to draw at home and their inability to keep a clean sheet, it seems unlikely they will lose this fixture. However, Notts County is capable of creating chances, so a competitive match is expected.
Final score prediction: Chesterfield 1-1 Notts County
