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

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

With a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, Walsall simply need to avoid defeat or lose by a single-goal margin to secure their place in the play-off final.

Chesterfield simply have to win by at least a three-goal margin to progress to the play-off final and overturn their two-goal deficit.

 

Team News

Connor Barrett could return for Walsall after he was omitted from the first-leg squad despite his suspension having been completed.

Jack Earing remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Chesterfield have no fresh injury concerns to report after their first-leg defeat.

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

 

When is Kick-Off?

Walsall host Chesterfield at Bescot Stadium on Friday 16 May at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Walsall won 2-0 in their only previous EFL Play-Off against Chesterfield, which came in the first leg of this semi-final tie.
• Chesterfield have won just one of their last five league visits to Walsall (W1, L4).
• Walsall have kept two clean sheets in their last five league games at home to Chesterfield.
• Walsall have won just one of four previous EFL Play-Off semi-final legs at home (W1, D1, L2)
• Chesterfield have lost just one of their three previous EFL Play-Off semi-final legs away from home (W1, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

Despite their poor home record in EFL Play-Offs, Walsall now have their fate in their own hands after a dominant first-half display in the first leg but Chesterfield did have their own chances, which could of meant that this leg is more in the balance but if the Spireites score first here then anything could happen.

I however do think that Walsall have recovered form at the right time and given their home form against Chesterfield, they should avoid blowing their two-goal lead if can be clinical once again.

Prediction: Walsall 2-1 Chesterfield

Result: Walsall 2-1 Chesterfield (Walsall win 4-1 on aggregate)