Chesterfield prepare to host Colchester United in a League Two clash at the Proact Stadium this weekend.
They are seven points behind leaders Salford City but have shown they can score, netting 17 goals this season while conceding 15 for a plus-two goal difference. Lee Bonis, the team's top scorer with 13 goals in 47 appearances this season, will be central to their attacking plans. Manager Paul Cook is expected to have a near full squad to choose from, with only long term absentee Tom Naylor definitely out.
Recent form and team news
Chesterfield's recent run has been mixed, with a form of one win, two draws and two losses from their last five matches. Before the Port Vale defeat, they drew 2-2 at Crawley Town, where Lee Bonis and Louie Marsh scored their goals, and secured an impressive 4-2 home win over Tranmere. Their last starting lineup, a 4-2-3-1 formation against Port Vale, featured Boot in goal with a back four of Hutton, McFadzean, Simpson and Gordon. The midfield trio of McEachran and Stirk sat behind an attacking line of Markanday, Louie Marsh and Randall, with Bonis leading the line. Cook may consider changes after the defeat, with wingers Liam Mandeville and Armando Dobra pushing for a recall.
Opposition overview
Colchester United arrive sitting 20th in the table and are winless in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 home draw with Exeter City. The U's have struggled for goals, scoring only 12 in the league so far. Key attacker John Akinde is a doubt for the trip with a hamstring issue, while defender Connor Hall remains suspended.
Chesterfield's next fixture is this home game against Colchester on Tuesday, 20 October. A win would provide vital momentum as they aim to close the gap on the automatic promotion places. Cook emphasised the need for a response, stating his team must be more clinical in the final third after creating but wasting chances against Port Vale.
