Chesterfield come into this game in very strong form, as the best side in League Two over the last 12 games. They timed their push to perfection, securing their play-off spot on the final day with a win at Accrington, as Salford failed to beat Carlisle.

They have won or drawn against seven of nine members of the top 10, and whilst one of the teams they lost to was Walsall, since that game, the Saddlers have won just two of their last 15 games, losing to three top-half teams in the process. Walsall have been on a terrible run since the turn of the year and look set to struggle here.

Left-wing-back Liam Gordon has almost been an ever-present for Mat Sadler’s Walsall this season, having started 44 league games out of 46. He carries the ball strongly down the left and creates opportunities through his crossing ability. Gordon has taken 41 shots this season, so almost an average of one per 90, and has scored three goals. He has attempted a shot in 27 of his 44 starts. 

The way that Chesterfield play means that their full-backs may be caught up the pitch in transition, which should allow Gordon plenty of space to advance into get a couple of shots away.

Jamie Jellis joined Walsall in January 2024, but only made two appearances last season before becoming a mainstay of the first team in this campaign. He has averaged 1.8 shots per 90, with five goals scored from 68 shots in total. He usually operates behind the strikers, or from a slightly deeper midfield position with licence to join the attack. 

Of Jellis’ 39 starts for The Saddlers this season, he has had at least one attempt on goal on 30 occasions. It would be a surprise if Jellis emerges from this game without having taken aim at least once.

There is no doubt that the Spireites carry the momentum into this game, despite having failed to beat Walsall in both games during the regular season. 

Apart from Chesterfield, the only sides Walsall have beaten since February 1st are Crewe, MK Dons and Morecambe. If you look at a league table from then until now, those three sides are the only ones who would have finished below Walsall.

A fast start from Chesterfield will further dent the Saddlers' confidence, which wily manager Paul Cook will know, and will surely send out his team to set a fast pace.

Chesterfield seemed to have peaked at the right time, with players returning from injury just in time for the play-off push. They have scored 41 goals at home this season, which is only bettered by Walsall, and in six of their last 12 games they have covered this bet. They have scored 10 goals in their last three home games, including one against automatically promoted Bradford City.

In 2025, Walsall have conceded two or more goals on 12 occasions, with seven of those occasions coming against top half sides like Chesterfield.

Tom Naylor had to do a lot of covering at centre back for the first half of the season, which did not show him in his best light. He is much more effective in central midfield, where his energy allows him to get around the pitch and make a difference.

He has mainly played in midfield since the New Year, making 20 starts from that position. He has had a shot in 12 of those 20 starts, and two or more shots in eight out of 12, which is a lot better ratio than his price of 3/1 suggests, probably inflated by those early-season games playing in defence.

He is a threat from both open play and set pieces, scoring four goals this season and 11 last season in the National League. This pick is excellent value.

My eye was taken with George Hall’s performance for Walsall on the final day of the season, where he scored the winning goal, which took the Saddlers to within a minute of automatic promotion before it was snatched away by Bradford's late winner. He had five shots in total from an attacking midfield position, three of which were on target. In five of his seven starts he has had an attempt on goal.

He has surely done enough at Crewe to earn another start here in the same role, and Walsall should get chances at a Chesterfield side who have conceded in 32 of 46 matches. He looks a good price for one shot.