For the first time in six years, the Spireites are returning to this level, and anticipation is growing for a record-breaking turnout.
1. GK Ryan Boot
Boot was Harry Tyrer’s backup choice the previous season, but he made an impression in the preseason and seized the chance.
2. Liam Mandeville – RB A lot of people would prefer for Devan Tanton or Vontae Daley-Campbell to start at right-back, but I’m going to take a chance and predict that Mandeville will play in this position for this specific game, just as he did in preseason. I’d expect either of the new signings to enter the game after they’ve had more time to train, but Mandeville can be relied upon and has proven he can be a potent weapon from deep.
3. CB Tom Naylor
The Player of the Year from the previous campaign scored 14 goals from midfield, so initially there may have been some skepticism about moving him to center back, but he has shown well there in preseason. Mandeville has been able to bomb when Chesterfield has possession because they have rolled into a back three with Naylor cutting over to the right. Naylor shown his ability to impact a game from a distance with his two outstanding assists against Derby County.
4. CB Chey Dunkley
While captain Jamie Grimes heals from a thigh injury, Naylor and Dunkley appear to be the starting center back duo. Although Danny Webb stated that the captain would likely feel that this game comes too soon, you never know. But there’s no use putting him at risk for a single game.
In the event that he unexpectedly returns, Naylor will likely return to midfield. Dunkley has already demonstrated his ability to be extremely dominant in the air, as he consistently appears to be in the ideal position for blocks, interceptions, and clearances.
5. LB Lewis Gordon
He may have slipped under the notice a little bit due to some of the other additions, but since joining from Bristol Rovers, he has had a strong preseason. One more who appears to relish a block and a tackle.
6. CM Darren Oldaker
Lost his way toward the conclusion of the previous season, but he appears rejuvenated and has occasionally returned to his best.
7. CM Ollie Banks
played in the ’10’ most of the time the previous season, but he somewhat regressed throughout the preseason. Although the Oldaker-Banks partnership is not new, Paul Cook did distance himself from it last year, so it will be intriguing to watch how they get along. Due to a strained hamstring, Mike Jones hasn’t played as many minutes as the other players, and Tim Akinola, the new addition, hasn’t played as much as the others either.
8. Michael Jacobs – RW Jacobs will probably be in front of Mandeville if he starts at right-back. He won’t maintain the width, but he will tuck in and provide space for Mandeville to run into. It would be fantastic if he could replicate his incredible goal against Scunthorpe on Friday.
9. CAM’s Armando Dobra
Due to Paddy Madden’s injury, Dobra will probably start in the 10 instead of wide left. A unique player who steps up to the plate, and Friday night will go down as one to remember.
10. Ryan Colclough, left wing, missed the majority of the previous season, but he is ready to go right now after recording a goal and an assist against Scunthorpe.
11. ST Will Grigg
25 goals in the previous campaign, and more if his injury at the end hadn’t occurred. He hasn’t really competed at this level previously.