Chesterfield and Grimsby Town square off on Saturday afternoon with both clubs sitting inside the top half of the League Two standings.
However, each team is aware that defeat will see them drop into the bottom half, a consequence of only recording three wins between them thus far.
Match preview
![Paul Cook manager of Chesterfield all smiles during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chesterfield and Sheffield United at SMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield, United Kingdom on 20 July 2024 [on August 7, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/paul-cook.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Paul Cook manager of Chesterfield all smiles during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chesterfield and Sheffield United at SMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield, United Kingdom on 20 July 2024 [on August 7, 2024]")
© Imago
On the back of winning the National League title, Chesterfield became many people's favourites to earn promotion for the second year in succession.
With five points from four games, it has been somewhat of a modest start by Paul Cook's side, yet their only loss came at the hands of leaders Gillingham by a 1-0 scoreline.
Chesterfield have also posted a 5-0 victory away at Crewe Alexandra and earned a 1-1 draw with Manchester City Under-21s in the EFL Trophy before prevailing in a penalty shootout.
The most encouraging aspect of their play is from a defensive standpoint. Chesterfield have conceded no more than one goal per game aside from a 2-1 reverse at Derby County in the EFL Cup.
If things start to click at the other end of the pitch, the Spireites could prove difficult to beat as the campaign progresses.
David Artell is still in the process of proving to the Grimsby fanbase that he is the right man for the job at Blundell Park having only won nine of his 34 games in charge.
However, the latest of those victories came last time out as the Mariners earned a 2-1 victory over Bradford City, making it successive home triumphs in the league.
Having previously shipped nine goals in defeats to Notts County and Sheffield Wednesday, it was a much-needed result for both the manager and his players.
Grimsby are making the trip to Chesterfield having suffered successive away defeats at a time when Chesterfield have posted draws in their two home games in August.
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Team News
Chesterfield will be without Cheyenne Dunkley after the centre-back collected two yellow cards at Gillingham last weekend.
Tyrone Williams is in line to come into the back four, and that may prove to be the only alteration to the side.
Michael Jacobs may be considered for a return in the final third if Cook does opt for another change.
Grimsby have had a week to prepare for this contest and Artell is unlikely to tinker with his side unless it is necessary.
Jayden Luker and Justin Obikwu were both signed on deadline day from Luton Town and Coventry City respectively, putting them in contention for a place in the squad.
Chesterfield possible starting lineup:
Boot; Campbell, Naylor, Williams, Gordon; Banks, Oldaker; Markanday, Dobra, Berry; Grigg
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Warren, Rodgers, McJannet, Hume; McEachran; Svanthorsson, Green, Khouri, Vernam; Rose
We say: Chesterfield 2-1 Grimsby Town
Although Chesterfield lost their unbeaten record last time out, it was against the league leaders. With that in mind, we are expecting Cook's side to bounce back in a competitive fixture, extending Grimsby's losing streak on their travels to three matches.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
