2024-25 Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs: Semi Final First Leg – Chesterfield vs Walsall

Chesterfield meet Walsall in the first leg of their play-off semi-final in 2024-25 League Two. 

Chesterfield snatched the final play-off spot on the final day in seventh position, whilst Walsall finished fourth and missed out on automatic promotion by a single point.

 

Team News

Armando Dobra is set to return for Chesterfield after he missed their last four matches with a groin injury.

Ollie Banks (calf) is a doubt but Chey Dunkley, Tyrone Williams (both neck), Vontae Daley-Campbell, Janoi Donacien (both hamstring), Ryheem Sheckleford (calf) and Jack Sparkes (knee) remain absent.

Walsall could welcome Connor Barrett back after he was suspended for their 1-0 win at Crewe Alexandra.

Jack Earing remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Chesterfield host Walsall at SMH Group Stadium on Sunday 11 May at 3:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Chesterfield’s first EFL play-off tie against Walsall.
• Walsall have won one of their last seven league visits to Chesterfield (W1, D3, L3), albeit in regular season meetings.
• Chesterfield have scored at least three goals in each of their last three home games (W2, D1).
• Walsall have lost one of their last nine away games (W2, D6, L1).

 

Prediction

With just one loss in their last 12 games and having found their fierce attacking spark at home recently, Chesterfield can come into this play-off semi-final full of confidence but two clean sheets in their last seven shows how vulnerable their defence can still be.

Walsall on the other hand have just one win in their last 14 games but they seem to ended that rut in a nicely-timed manner with a clinical victory at Crewe Alexandra, whilst two clean sheets in their last three games will be a welcome morale boost for them.

Either way both teams couldn’t be in more contrasting form but if Chesterfield are at their attacking best of late, I can’t see Walsall getting a first-leg win but they could at least try and keep any deficit to an one-goal margin to give themselves a chance at home.

Prediction: Chesterfield 2-1 Walsall