


Set to take place on 11 May 2025 at 14:30 GMT at the SMH Group Stadium in Chesterfield, with a capacity of 10,504, the forthcoming football match between Chesterfield and Walsall marks the first leg of the League Two playoff semi-finals. Although particular referee information is not available, this high-stakes English fourth tier match promises tension as both sides fight for a berth in the playoff final, hoping for League One.
Fresh off their National League triumph last season, Chesterfield has shown tenacity to secure a playoff position; Walsall, despite leading the league previously, stumbled late in the season and missed automatic promotion by one point. This semi-final League Two playoff phase will assess both teams’ capacity for under pressure performance in a pivotal football match.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This section provides key insights to guide your understanding of the Chesterfield vs Walsall prediction today. We want to present a clear picture of what to expect by looking at recent performances, head-to-head meetings, and crucial elements including injuries. This game is interesting since both sides have showed both strengths and shortcomings. Their present form and past performance will determine the Chesterfield versus Walsall prediction today. Let us examine the facts to find the trends.
Chesterfield Results
The late-season run by Chesterfield was essential in guaranteeing their playoff position. Paul Cook’s squad recovered form after a mid-table position earlier and lost only once in their last 13 games. Their confidence has been much enhanced by their very good home performances at SMH Group Stadium.
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
03/05/25 | League Two | Accrington vs Chesterfield | 0-1 | W |
26/04/25 | League Two | Chesterfield vs Morecambe | 4-1 | W |
21/04/25 | League Two | Chesterfield vs Bradford | 3-3 | D |
18/04/25 | League Two | AFC Wimbledon vs Chesterfield | 0-0 | D |
12/04/25 | League Two | Chesterfield vs Fleetwood | 3-0 | W |
Chesterfield’s latest performance shows their attacking ability; they scored ten goals in their last three home games. Their six-match unbroken streak (three victories, three draws) displays consistency. Crucially on the last day, the 1-0 victory against Accrington demonstrated their capacity to grind out results. Walsall’s attacking threats will put their defensive solidity under pressure, though. At SMH Group Stadium, their home form seven games perfect makes them a formidable opponent.
Walsall Results
Walsall’s season was two parts, a good start giving way to a late downturn. Even with their decline, they proved tenacious with a crucial victory against Crewe on the last day. The side of Mat Sadler will test Chesterfield with their solid away form.
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
03/05/25 | League Two | Crewe vs Walsall | 0-1 | W |
26/04/25 | League Two | Walsall vs Accrington | 0-1 | L |
21/04/25 | League Two | Newport vs Walsall | 0-0 | D |
18/04/25 | League Two | Walsall vs Harrogate | 2-2 | D |
12/04/25 | League Two | Barrow vs Walsall | 2-0 | L |
Having only one loss in their last nine road games, Walsall’s away form has been a shining point. Their 1-0 triumph at Crewe proved they could win by a margin, but recent losses draw attention to weaknesses. Six of eight, the draw-heavy character of their road matches points to their difficulty to seize opportunities. Key against Chesterfield’s strong offense will be their defensive resilience. Their inconsistency, meanwhile, might make them less suited for this high-stress playoff game.



Chesterfield vs Walsall Head-to-Head Encounters
Past matches between Chesterfield and Walsall help to set the scene for this playoff collision. Walsall has been on top in recent matches; they have not lost in their past three games. These numbers help to define expectations for the forthcoming game.
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
15/02/25 | League Two | Walsall vs Chesterfield | 3-1 |
05/10/24 | League Two | Chesterfield vs Walsall | 2-2 |
07/03/17 | League One | Walsall vs Chesterfield | 1-0 |
16/08/16 | League One | Chesterfield vs Walsall | 2-0 |
12/03/16 | League One | Chesterfield vs Walsall | 1-4 |
Walsall has a psychological edge since he dominates most recent head-to-heads and has two of the last three victories. The 3-1 triumph in February 2025 underlines their capacity to take advantage of Chesterfield’s defensive weakness. But the 2-2 draw at Chesterfield earlier this season indicates the Spireites are capable of holding their own at home. Both clubs have scored in most recent games, suggesting a possibly open matchup. Chesterfield’s last home victory over Walsall in 2016 showed their ability to challenge the odds.
Predicted Football Lineups for Chesterfield vs Walsall
Based on current squad data and injury updates, this part lists the expected starting lines for the football game. These configurations mirror possible tactical combinations for both teams in this pivotal playoff game.
Chesterfield Possible Starting Lineup: Boot (GK), Mandeville (DF), Palmer (DF), McFadzean (DF), Gordon (DF), Metcalfe (MF), Naylor (MF), Fleck (MF), Olakigbe (FW), Colclough (FW), Grigg (FW)

Walsall Possible Starting Lineup: Simkin (GK), Okagbue (DF), Williams (DF), Allen (DF), Asiimwe (MF), Stirk (MF), Chang (MF), Gordon (MF), Hall (MF), Jellis (FW), Matt (FW)

Unavailable Players
Suspensions and injuries will affect the tactics of both sides for this game. Players declared doubtful or ruled out for the first leg are summarized here.
Team | Player | Status |
Chesterfield | Janoi Donacien | Injured |
Chesterfield | Chey Dunkley | Injured |
Chesterfield | Ryheem Sheckleford | Injured |
Chesterfield | Bailey Hobson | Injured |
Chesterfield | Mike Jones | Injured |
Chesterfield | Vontae Daley-Campbell | Injured |
Chesterfield | Jack Sparkes | Doubtful |
Chesterfield | Armando Dobra | Doubtful |
Chesterfield | Paddy Madden | Doubtful |
Chesterfield | Ollie Banks | Doubtful |
Walsall | Priestley Farquharson | Injured |
Walsall | Jack Earing | Injured |
Walsall | Connor Barrett | Suspended |
Walsall | Ellis Harrison | Doubtful |
Key Factors Influencing the Match
Numerous factors will determine how this playoff semi-final turns out. For both bettors and supporters, these elements are crucial from team form to individual player availability. The salient features are listed below for your review.
- Chesterfield’s Home Form: Unbeaten in seven home games, they scored three or more goals in SMH Group Stadium’s last three;
- Walsall’s Away Resilience: With six draws proving their ability to grind out results, only one loss in their previous nine away games;
- Chesterfield has injury concerns: up to six players were been out; four others are doubtful and might compromise their defense and attack;
- Walsall’s missing players, Harrison (doubtful) and Barrett (suspended), could restrict their offensive choices;
- Chesterfield’s high-scoring home games juxtaposition with Walsall’s low-scoring away games points to a possible goal difference;
- Walsall’s perfect run in the past three meetings gives them confidence, especially given their 3-1 February victory;
- Both teams have great stakes: Chesterfield is chasing back-to-back promotions while Walsall wants to finish a six-year League Two spell;
- Chesterfield’s attacking approach might take advantage of Walsall’s defensive mistakes, but Walsall’s counter-attaching danger could punish weaknesses.
Free Tips on Chesterfield vs Walsall
Inspired from statistical patterns and team characteristics, this part provides useful betting advice specifically for the Chesterfield versus Walsall game. These suggestions center on special qualities not addressed in the part on the main elements. Consult them to guide your choices on betting.
- Consider Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Recent head-to-heads and Chesterfield’s home scoring form suggest both sides are likely to find the net, as seen in their 2-2 draw in October 2024.
- Look at Total Corners Over: Chesterfield’s attacking play at home generates numerous set pieces, while Walsall’s counter-attacking style often leads to corners, making over 9.5 corners a viable bet.
- Bet on a Draw in First Half: Walsall’s cautious away approach and Chesterfield’s tendency to build momentum later could result in a level scoreline at halftime, as seen in recent Walsall away games.
- Explore Player Card Markets: With playoff intensity and Walsall’s physical style, midfielders like Chesterfield’s Naylor or Walsall’s Stirk may pick up bookings in a heated contest.
- Focus on Low Goal Totals for Walsall: Walsall’s away games often feature fewer goals, with four of their last five road matches having under 2.5 goals, ideal for under 2.5 bets.
- Check for Early Substitutions: With doubts over players like Madden and Harrison, early tactical changes could influence the game, making live betting on substitutions a potential angle.
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Chesterfield vs Walsall Match Prediction 2025
The Chesterfield vs Walsall odds reflect a closely contested match, with both teams bringing distinct strengths to the SMH Group Stadium. Driven by an undefeated six-game run and a strong home record, Chesterfield’s late-season momentum qualifies them as modest favorites. With Walsall’s defense compromised in three of their last five games, their ability to score freely at home, netting 10 goals in their last three home matches, offers a major threat. But since up to 10 players would be absent, their long injury list might throw off their rhythm, especially on defense.
Walsall has lost just once in nine away games, hence even with their late-season challenges, they have been difficult to beat on road. Their 2-2 draw earlier this season and 3-1 victory over Chesterfield in February indicate they can handle the Spireites. Their own absences, including a doubtful key forward and a suspended defense, could restrict their attacking capability, though. Six of eight their draw-heavy away form suggests they can delay opponents, but converting opportunities has proved difficult.
Given these factors, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Chesterfield’s home strength is tempered by injuries, while Walsall’s resilience makes them hard to break down. The Chesterfield vs Walsall odds for a 1-1 scoreline align with recent trends, as both teams have scored in most head-to-heads, and Walsall’s low-scoring away games point to a tight contest. Expect a cautious first leg, with both sides prioritizing defensive stability ahead of the return fixture.
Our Prediction: Chesterfield 1-1 Walsall
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
Match Result | Draw | 3.25 |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.75 |
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