Walsall vs Chesterfield: Predictions, Lineups & Odds (16/05)

Walsall hold a decisive edge over Chesterfield heading into the second leg of their EFL League Two Play-Off Semi-Final.

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Our Predictions

League Two

Fri, May 1615:00 

Walsall FC

vs

Chesterfield FC

Our prediction

Bet on Jamille Matt To Score

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Our Three Predictions For Walsall vs Chesterfield

• • • • Prediction 1 – Jamille Matt To Score – 7/4

• • • • Prediction 2 –  Over 2.5 Goals Scored – 17/10

• • • • Prediction 3 – Walsall To Win – 21/10

First Prediction For Walsall vs Chesterfield – Jamille Matt To Score – 7/4

Walsall’s talisman is not in the best of form, having not scored in 10 matches since his goal against Bromley back in March. But he was well within the action, taking part in thirteen duels during his 75 minutes on the pitch. Aerial situations have been Walsall’s strength as of late and should have scored when Oisin McEntee’s goal against Newport County was disallowed. Matt won 50% of his aerial duels on the day and with how Mat Sadler’s side seem to relish set piece and corner situations, the 35 year old will feel confident in adding to his total. Four of his goals this season came from headers, whilst a further three came from a corner.

Second Prediction For Walsall vs Chesterfield – Over 2.5 Goals Scored – 17/20

Walsall found two goals in the first leg and despite them not being able to break down The Saddlers’ defence, Chesterfield did have their fair share of opportunities. Paul Cook’s side are very capable of scoring multiple times in a match, doing so against Bradford City and Morecambe in the final games of the season. Walsall and Chesterfield are first and joint second respectively in terms of goals scored across the season, and Walsall have scored more goals at home than any other League Two club. With players like Will Grigg, Paddy Madden and Armando Dobra at their disposal, The Spireites have the capacity to get some goals, but it is a question of if they can do what they couldn’t in Derbyshire.

Third Prediction For Walsall vs Chesterfield – Walsall To Win – 21/10

Walsall’s defensive actions were the reason they are in command in this fixture, withstanding a bombardment from Chesterfield, who had three quarters of possession across the match. Their tactics drew the rage of Chesterfield players like Kyle McFadzean, which could see this game threaten to boil over should it continue through this game. Whilst it may not be plain sailing as the first leg for the home side, they should have enough about them to keep ahold of their advantage and go through to Wembley and one step away from recovering the promotion they had seemingly wrapped up in December.

Best Odds For Walsall vs Chesterfield

Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head-To-Head

Walsall head into the game with a decisive 2-0 lead after first-half goals from defender Taylor Allen from the penalty spot and loanee midfielder Alfie Chang. The game was characterised by Chesterfield being unable to decisively break down Walsall’s defence and The Saddlers engaged in the ‘dark arts’ which frustrated much of the crowd in Derbyshire and led to some comments from Kyle McFadzean following the match.

Reflecting on the victory, Walsall manager Mat Sadler said to the club media:

“Overall, I thought it was a really good game,”

“I know what threats they’ve got, they’re a really good team. They’ve got good, offensive players and I think they showed that at times and we showed our threats at the right times.

“I thought it was a really good performance from us, we were resilient when we needed to be, we defended as a team from front to back throughout the game. I thought we defended so well as a full team, as a completely connected team from front to back, so that was really pleasing.

“The way we worked it for the goals was thoroughly deserved. We’re halfway through, and now we get ready for what has the makings of being a fantastic game on Friday night.”

On the defeat, Paul Cook still felt optimistic in his interview with the Derbyshire Times, saying:

“I don’t know how many attempts Walsall have had, not many, but that is football. I didn’t see a team winning by two goals to be honest with you so we are really disappointed to be on the end of it but well done to Walsall.

“If we could have got one back it would have made it a really lively tie going to Walsall but the game is still alive, there is so much to play for. I am really disappointed but the game was never going to be decided today and there is still so much football left in this game.

Where To Watch Walsall vs Chesterfield

Where can I watch the game, either on TV or in person?

• • • • Location: Poundland Bescot Stadium, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4SA

• • • • Date: May 16th, 2025

This game is available to watch in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with kick-off at 8 pm.

Probable Lineups For Walsall vs Chesterfield

What sort of lineup can we expect from this important EFL League Two Playoff Semi-Final clash?

Predicted Walsall Lineup

• • • • Lineup: Simkin; Allen, Okagbue, Williams; Asiimwe, Stirk, Chang, Gordon; Jellis; Matt, Adomah

• • • • Injured/Suspended: 

• • • • Manager: Mat Sadler

Predicted Chesterfield Lineup

• • • • Lineup: Boot; Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean, Gordon; Naylor, Fleck, Metcalfe; Dobra, Grigg, Colclough

• • • • Injured/Suspended: Donacien

• • • • Manager: Paul Cook

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