The Spireites welcome Accrington Stanley to the SMH Group Stadium for the annual Remembrance fixture.
Paul Cook’s side are coming off the back of an impressive FA Cup victory over League One Stevenage.
The visitors also had Cup success, beating Gainsborough Trinity after extra-time.
In the Spotlight
Tyler Walton made the move up to the Football League in 2024 as he joined Accrington Stanley from National League North side Southport.
He enjoyed his opening season in the EFL, scoring nine times and providing eight assists as Stanley avoided relegation.
The midfielder has also had a decent start to this campaign with three goals in ten games – although he has recently returned from an injury that kept him out for a month.
The gaffer’s record
This fixture will mark the 13th time that Paul Cook will have come up against his former club, Accrington Stanley.
He has come up against the Lancashire-based side whilst managing Chesterfield, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town.
In the previous 12 games against Stanley, Cook has an indifferent record, winning five, drawing once and losing six.
The last game between the two sides saw Will Grigg’s winner send the Spireites into the League Two play-offs on the final day of last season.
Man in the middle
Thomas Parsons has only refereed four clubs more times than Chesterfield – Barrow, Chorley, Harrogate Town and Stockport County.
In those seven games, the Blues have won four times and have fallen to defeat on three occasions.
Overall, he has taken charge of 205 games in his career, showing 816 yellow cards and 30 red cards.
Gary Roberts’ thoughts
“It’s going to be a real physical game. I think they’re at the top of every stats list for pressure regains, regains in opposition’s half, they’re a real pressing, aggressive team.
“They’re young, hungry, and as well as the hunger and desire they have, they’re a well-coached team.”
