The upcoming pre-season friendly between Chesterfield and Nottingham Forest is set to take place at the SMH Group Stadium on Saturday.
This clash sees Premier League side Nottingham Forest take on League Two’s Chesterfield in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Team Form
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, recently secured their stay in the Premier League for another season.
They concluded the previous campaign in 17th place, narrowly avoiding relegation with 32 points – the lowest ever for a team surviving the drop.
Despite this, the team showed resilience and form, winning two of their last three fixtures. This pre-season will serve as preparation for their opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on August 17.
Chesterfield
Chesterfield, managed by Paul Cook, celebrated their return to League Two after a six-year absence by winning the National League title.
The Spireites gathered an impressive 98 points, finishing 12 points clear of their nearest rivals, Barnet.
However, they stumbled towards the end of the season with four consecutive losses before clinching a victory against Maidenhead United.
Chesterfield’s pre-season began with a penalty shootout defeat to Matlock Town.
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest will miss a few key players for this friendly. Goalkeeper Matz Sels and Matt Turner are absent due to international duties.
Recent signings Carlos Miguel, Elliot Anderson, Marko Stamenic, and Eric da Silva Moreira are expected to feature.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, both of whom have been targets for other clubs, are set to be included in the squad.
Chesterfield
Chesterfield’s new signings, including Tim Akinola, Chey Dunkley, Lewis Gordon, and Paddy Madden, are expected to bolster the squad.
Joe Quigley, who was substituted early in the game against Matlock Town, is not reported to be injured and should be available for selection.
Possible Lineups
Chesterfield: Boot; Sheckleford, Dunkley, Grimes, Gordon; Naylor, Akinola; Colclough, Mandeville, Dobra; Madden.
Nottingham Forest: Miguel; Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo; Danilo, Sangare; Elanga, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi.
Prediction
Given the disparity in league status and quality, Nottingham Forest is expected to dominate this friendly.
Despite the likely rotational changes by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Premier League side’s quality should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Our Prediction: Chesterfield 0-2 Nottingham Forest
