A very difficult game for the Spireites against Southend who did the double over them last season winning 3-0 at Roots Hall and 1-0 at the Proact. The Shrimpers have won all their first 3 league matches so far this season. The Spireites will be hoping to stay unbeaten after winning their first 2 and coming from behind at Rochdale to earn a 2-2 draw. The key today for the Spireites will be to keep out their very experienced forwards Freddie Eastwood and Barry Corr, both capable of scoring.
Vital Quotes:
Phil Brown talking to BBC Radio said: ‘Against Chesterfield we will come up against quality opposition, they’ve added four or five to last year’s squad that can possibly win a game for them.
‘They were pre-season favourites – not in our eyes, their eyes – we just get on with our business the way we have and that will hold us in good stead.’
Paul Cook talking to BBC Radio Sheffield said: ‘I said at the start of the season that I wouldn’t want to be in any other dressing room in the country.
‘The start has been ok but we can do a lot better. The lads are just developing and learning together because we’ve brought a lot of new players in. We’re going to get stronger.
‘Southend have been very effective, they’ve won games and they haven’t conceded a goal yet.’
Chesterfield Team News:
Gary Roberts (heel) will make the starting line-up although he has not trained all week. Defender Matty Brown is set to be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Cooper now back to full fitness will start along side Hird in central defence. Ian Evatt played 70 minutes in a reserve game in midweek is still not ready to start and will play another game next week against Sheffield Wednesday.
Player to watch: Jimmy Ryan
Jimmy Ryan the new enforcer, he breaks up play and then starts the attacks from the centre of midfield, he works hard and covers every blade of grass, he hardly makes a bad pass and is capable of scoring from distance.
Southend United Team News:
Mark Laird joined Julian Bennett on the club’s long-term injury list by injuring knee ligaments in last weekend’s win over Northampton. This could give Conor Clifford his chance to start for his new club, he played a few pre-season games for the Spireites before being released. Former Spireite Kevan Hurst (knee) is in contention for a return and Mark Phillips (groin) will be assessed before the game.
Player to watch: Barry Corr
Striker Barry Corr wearing number 10 ended his first season 2010/11 at Roots Hall with 21 goals in all competitions. He then missed the entire 2011/12 campaign knee and groin injuries. He is now getting back to his form and starting form a formidable partnership with Freddie Eastwood.
Match Facts & Stats
The Spireites have lost 2 of their last 3 home games against Southend.
Ref Watch:
We welcome Sebastian Stockbridge to the Proact for the first time, it’s his first season as a football league Referee.
Match Prediction:
It’s going to be a close one, they usually are between the two sides. With big crowd behind them I think the Spireites will just edge it 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
A trip to Fratton Park for the Spireites to take on Portsmouth.
