Preview: Chesterfield vs. Notts County - prediction, team news, lineups

Chesterfield and Notts County meet in the National League playoff final on Saturday afternoon as they bid to earn a long-awaited return to the EFL.

Both clubs, who finished third and second in the standings respectively, came through dramatic semi-final showdowns last weekend to book their spot at Wembley.

Match preview

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Having collected 107 points and still missing out on the title, Notts County boss Luke Williams was aware of the dangers when his side entered the playoffs.

That concern materialised in their semi-final versus Boreham Wood, the sixth-paced side establishing a two-goal lead at half time at Meadow Lane.

However, taking inspiration from some of the comebacks that Wrexham have launched most recently, Notts County netted a 97th-minute goal to force extra time and a 120th-minute winner to reach the final.

The Magpies have not necessarily looked like a side that has pushed Wrexham all the way this season in their recent matches, but Williams and his squad will likely not care at this point having given themselves a chance of a return to the EFL.

Four seasons have passed since Notts County were relegated from League Two, and they are now under pressure to avoid playoff disappointment for the fourth time in succession.

Chesterfield are also no strangers to disappointment at this stage of the season, missing out in the playoffs in the most recent two campaigns and this being their fifth year away from the Football League.

Paul Cook's side are underdogs to overcome Notts County at the weekend, although that is a status that they will relish having nearly failed to make it to Wembley.

The Spireites conceded a last-gasp goal to be taken to extra time by Bromley in their playoff semi-final before their player advantage made the difference in extra time.

A 3-2 success made it five wins from six for Cook's side, but they are yet to defeat Notts County this season, drawing 2-2 on their travels in August before a 2-1 home defeat in February.

Team News

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While Cook will consider naming an unchanged Chesterfield side, he has alternatives available should he wish to give his team a different look.

Ollie Banks and Joe Quigley - regulars throughout this season - will feel in contention to return in central midfield and attack.

Tyrone Williams, Tim Akinola and Jesurun Uchegbulam are all on standby to return to the squad in the event of any injuries.

Although Williams will likely keep changes to his Notts County XI down to a minimum, Jim O'Brien may take Sam Austin's place in the middle of the pitch.

Jodi Jones is expected to stay among the replacements despite his dramatic winning goal versus Boreham Wood.

Chesterfield possible starting lineup:

Fitzsimions; King, Palmer, Grimes, Clements; Jones, Oldaker; Mandeville, Dobra, Colclough; Dallas

Notts County possible starting lineup:

Slocombe; Rawlinson, Baldwin, Cameron; Nemane, Bostock O'Brien, Palmer, Chicksen; Rodrigues, Langstaff

We say: Chesterfield 2-3 Notts County

While nerves will naturally be on show, we expect this match to be a thriller, going back and forth throughout. However, Notts County have shown the greater attacking threat this term, and that could prove decisive in the closing stages.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.