It’s not that long ago that Chesterfield and Notts County were established League 1 clubs.
Both have since fallen on hard times but perhaps the Spireites’ plunge from grace has been the more spectacular. The Magpies have been beset with financial woes so their tumble into the dark depths of non-league football could have been anticipated but Chesterfield always appeared to be fairly stable. Great things were anticipated when they moved from Saltergate to the Proact Stadium but successive managers have failed to find the spark need to reignite their fortunes.
Chesterfield Form and Team News
Chesterfield tumbled out of the FA Cup earlier in the week so will miss out on potential money-spinning ties further down the line.
It took them 11 games at the start of the National League season before they finally managed a win. They’ve since moved out of the relegation zone but are still in real danger of yet another demotion. Considering they were among the pre-season promotion favourites, the campaign so far has been a huge let-down and manager John Sheridan knows that the clock is ticking on his tenure unless results improve.
A local derby against familiar foes might be the catalyst for a surge up the table but false dawns are becoming a bit of a speciality for the Spireites. They’ve already lost four times at the Proact and only struggling AFC Fylde and bottom-of-the-table Ebbsfleet United have conceded more goals so far. But scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for Chesterfield and better times could be ahead if they can develop the partnership between leading striker Scott Boden and Liam Mandeville. The latter was an exciting prospect for Doncaster in League 2 only three years ago and has moved down the National League to rebuild his career.
Shwan Jalal could miss out again for Chesterfield and Sam Wedgbury is injured but Curtis Weston could return for this local derby.
Notts County Form and Team News
In contrast to their local rivals, Notts County have made a very positive start to the season and currently sit in the play-off places as they bid for a quick return to the EFL.
Neal Ardley’s side have lost just two of their last 15 matches and they are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup. That record means that they currently sit top of the form table in the National League. They’ve found a way of winning matches without being at the top of their game but are free-scoring. Enzio Boldewijn and Kristian Dennis have scored 12 goals between them so far this season and will be a goal threat to Chesterfield but they have a very solid defence which has only conceded three goals in their last five matches. Only National League leaders Halifax have conceded fewer so far this season and the manager has no new injury concerns for the short trip up the M1, on which they will be followed by plenty of their fans.
Chesterfield vs Notts County Head-To-Heads
Chesterfield have won five of their last 10 matches with Notts County going back 10 years, including on the last occasion that they met in March of last year. There has only been one draw between the teams in that time.
Chesterfield vs Notts County Current Best Odds
Chesterfield 31/20, Draw 9/4, Notts County 15/8 (Odds correct at 1.45pm October 24)
Chesterfield vs Notts County Predictions – Local derbies can be hard to predict
Everything points to an away win at the Proact Stadium but local derbies often throw up surprises. Both teams need a win for different reasons and Chesterfield probably deserved more from their trip to Wrexham in midweek. They do have the ammunition to hurt County if they can keep the back door shut, though that has been a big problem for the home side this season. However, we’ re prepared to give the Spireites one more chance and they are 31/20 with William Hill in the Outright betting. Vote yes in Both Teams to Score.
