Chesterfield will look to take a big step towards promotion on Sunday when they host Notts County in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at the SMH Group Stadium.
The Spireites head into the clash in excellent form after ending the regular season with an eight-match unbeaten run. Paul Cook’s side secured sixth place in League Two and arrive with momentum firmly behind them after winning six of their final eight matches.
Confidence is also high following Chesterfield’s dramatic final-day victory over Swindon Town, a result that confirmed their place in the play-offs and kept alive hopes of an immediate return to League One.
Striker Lee Bonis has been one of Chesterfield’s key men in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last four appearances, while winger Dilan Markanday continues to provide creativity and attacking threat.
Defensively, the Spireites have also impressed, conceding just four goals during their unbeaten run. Defender Kyle McFadzean is expected to be available despite being withdrawn during the win at Swindon.
Visitors Notts County narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after a dip in form during the closing weeks of the campaign. Martin Paterson’s side picked up just seven points from their final six league matches and finished three points outside the automatic promotion places.
However, County still boast one of the strongest away records in the division and will arrive in North Derbyshire determined to take a positive result back to Meadow Lane for the second leg.
The two sides have already produced some entertaining encounters this season, although Chesterfield will take confidence from their 2-0 home win over the Magpies on Boxing Day.
Notts County striker Alassana Jatta remains a major danger after scoring 15 league goals this season, while the visitors will be without defender Lewis Macari following a serious leg injury suffered late in the campaign.
With a packed crowd expected at the SMH Group Stadium, Sunday’s clash promises to be a huge occasion as Chesterfield aim to edge closer to Wembley and promotion.
Team News
Kyle McFadzean is expected to return to the starting line-up for Chesterfield FC despite being substituted at half-time during the victory over Swindon Town. The experienced defender is likely to keep his place ahead of Janoi Donacien in the heart of the Spireites defence.
Manager Paul Cook has named an unchanged starting eleven in Chesterfield’s last two matches and could stick with the same side again if there are no late injury concerns.
In attack, Lee Bonis continues to impress with his recent goalscoring form, while winger Dilan Markanday has also made an impact, contributing a goal and an assist in his last two appearances.
For Notts County, Lucas Ness is expected to feature in the back three following a serious leg injury to Lewis Macari towards the end of the regular season.
Matt Palmer and Tyrese Hall are both options in midfield, while leading scorer Alassana Jatta is set to spearhead the Magpies attack after netting 15 goals this season.
Chesterfield League Two form:
Notts County League Two form:
Chesterfield possible starting lineup:
Boot; Curtis, McFadzean, Swinkels, Gordon; Braybrooke, Stirk; Markanday, Mandeville, Dobra; Bonis
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Ness, McDonald, Bedeau; Tsaroulla, Norburn, Iorpenda, Jones; Luker, Grant; Jatta
