Southend v Chesterfield

Southend vs Chesterfield Preview

Roots Hall is the venue of one of the most attractive fixtures in this weekend's National League schedule as 16th placed Southend United take on the league leaders, Chesterfield, in what was usually a regular fixture in the Football League but both clubs find themselves fighting to get out of the non-league top flight table this term, as Southend United come into this clash on the back of a 2-0 loss at Altrincham, while Chesterfield extended their unbeaten run to 13 games.

Southend United have been battling for survival both on and off the pitch in recent times as The Shrimpers were handed a 10-point penalty and find themselves under a transfer embargo but nevertheless, the hosts have produced a promising start to this season despite being under the shadow of a winding up order, which has now been dismissed.

With new owners now in the process of taking over, Southend United put together a recent seven-match unbeaten run which included wins against Oxford City, Woking, Solihull Moors and Ebbsfleet United while at Roots Hall, The Shrimpers have won seven of their nine games to date and had it not been for the 10-point penalty, Kevin Maher's side would be sitting in the play-off pack.

Chesterfield meanwhile continued on their merry way under manager, Paul Cook, who is surely one of the most under-rated managers in Britain but nevertheless, has worked wonders at lower league level on shoestring budgets and he has guided The Spireites to the summit of the National League thanks to an excellent 13-match unbeaten sequence.

Having lost just once in this season's National League campaign to date, Chesterfield have certainly asserted their authority this time around after narrowly missing out in last season's play-off final against local rivals, Notts County, in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley, but it looks like being their time this term.

Since that 2-1 loss away from home at Altrincham, Chesterfield have embarked upon a sparkling vein of form which has produced 12 wins from their subsequent 13 matches overall, including wins on the road at Aldershot, Ebbsfleet United, Rochdale, Boreham Wood and Kidderminster Harriers.

The bigger picture shows Chesterfield have suffered just the two defeats out of their last 16 outings on the road in the National League which is some record in what is a very competitive and unpredictable division.

Southend United v Chesterfield Verdict

Southend United have impressed at home and indeed hold one of the best records at home in the division but The Shrimpers will be missing at least three key players due to international call-ups and the hosts have been ordered to play the game by the National League.

This should therefore favour an in-form Chesterfield side who will head into this clash with supreme confidence.

Therefore, our main bet will be Chesterfield win @ 1.85

Other side bets worth considering:

Chesterfield win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.75

Correct Score: Chesterfield 1-0 @ 8.50