Walsall vs Chesterfield predictions, betting tips and odds: Saddlers can seal a Wembley spot

Where to watch Walsall vs Chesterfield

You can watch Walsall vs Chesterfield in the League Two playoff semi-final, second leg at 8pm on Friday, May 16th, live on Sky Sports Football.

Walsall vs Chesterfield prediction & best bet

Draw
1pt 27-10 Betfair

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Walsall vs Chesterfield odds

Here are the latest odds ahead of Walsall vs Chesterfield in the League Two playoffs

Odds correct at time of publishing

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Walsall vs Chesterfield predictions

Walsall squandered a big lead in League Two's automatic promotion race but they regathered themselves for the playoffs, winning 2-0 at Chesterfield last Sunday, and can set up a trip to Wembley in the return.

Going through the playoffs was the last thing on Walsall's minds in late January when they led the division by 12 points and had a 15-point cushion to fourth place.

But the Saddlers largely struggled for the rest of the campaign, taking 19 points from the next 21 fixtures, and they were dealt a massive blow on the final Saturday of the league season when Bradford's injury-time winner at home to Fleetwood denied them a third-place finish.

After winning just one of their previous 15 matches, Walsall headed to Chesterfield last weekend with little expectation. But they played with focus and intensity and were rewarded with a victory which may be looked back upon as the turning point of their campaign.

Chesterfield approached the post-season on a six-game unbeaten sequence but struggled to get their game going and were beaten at home for only the fourth time this season.

That leaves the Spireites with a mountain to climb at the Bescot, where they lost 3-1 in their February league visit.

Paul Cook's side are boosted by the improving fitness of key attacker Armando Dobra, who may be ready to make his first start for more than a month.

Chesterfield will give it everything but they have failed to beat Walsall on three occasions this season. The Saddlers are unlikely to take chances and have drawn six of their last 11 matches so another stalemate – and the end of the Spireites' promotion dream – looks the most likely outcome.

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Key stat

Walsall have drawn six of their last 11 matches

Walsall vs Chesterfield team news

Walsall
Connor Barrett completes a three-game suspension and Ellis Harrison is a doubt after playing no part last weekend. Priestley Farquharson and Jack Earing have been out long-term.

Chesterfield
Jack Sparkes and Armando Dobra returned from layoffs to feature as substitutes in the opening leg. However, Janoi Donacien, Chey Dunkley, Ryheem Sheckleford, Bailey Hobson, Mike Jones and Vontae Daley-Campbell were unavailable due to injury.

Walsall vs Chesterfield predicted line-ups

Walsall (3-4-2-1): Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen; Asiimwe, Chang, Stirk, Liam Gordon; Hall, Jellis; Matt.
Subs: Lakin, Comley, Josh Gordon, Adomah, Amanchti, Harrison.

Chesterfield (4-3-3): Boot; Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean, Lewis Gordon; Metcalfe, Fleck, Naylor; Dobra, Grigg, Colclough.
Subs: Olakigbe, Pepple, Duffy, Sparkes, Jacobs, Grimes, Thompson.

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