Match Preview Chesterfield v Wycombe Wanderers

This Saturday should prove a stern test for the Chairboys as they take on Chesterfield at Saltergate. Both sides are among the bookmakers’ early season favourites to challenge for automatic promotion this season.

Wycombe come into the game with seven points out of a possible nine, courtesy of a home draw with Morecambe followed by consecutive wins away at Chester and at home to Lincoln.

The first four points were achieved without playing particularly well, but against Lincoln last Saturday Peter Taylor’s side showed encouraging signs that they may be gelling into an attractive and potent force. Lincoln will consider themselves fortunate to have escaped with only a 1-0 defeat, after some fine attacking play by the Chairboys was only foiled by City keeper Burch.

Last season Wycombe were lacking in width and pace, but Taylor’s new signings have rectified that situation and the raw talents of Gavin Grant and Chris Zebroski, who both had fine games against Lincoln, give the Chairboys new attacking options.

Although Wycombe have only conceded one goal in their three league games so far, the defence has not looked quite as composed as it did last season. Taylor’s number one choice of keeper Scott Shearer finds himself under pressure following some questionable handling, and only two goal-line clearances by defenders spared his blushes against Morecambe and Lincoln. Wycombe fans will be hoping that Shearer is able to shake off any lingering rustiness from last season’s long term injury and start putting in some commanding and confident performances.

It is expected that manager Taylor will pick the same team for the third game in a row, which means that fit again midfielder Gary Holt and new loan signing Simon Church may have to settle for the bench.

Chesterfield come into the game with six points out of nine following away wins over Barnet and Grimsby and a 3-1 defeat in their only home game so far at the hands of Bury.

An injury to star striker Jack Lester forced the Spireites into a 4-5-1 formation for their last match, but they can be expected to revert to 4-4-2 should Lester be declared fit for Saturday’s game.

Prediction

This is a tough one to call, my heart says Wycombe will keep up the level of performance seen against Lincoln and win by the odd goal.

My head tells me it will be honours even.

So it’s a 1-1 draw for me.