Chesterfield vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Chesterfield vs Nottingham Forest predictions for this pre-season friendly. Premier League meets League Two as Chesterfield host Nottingham Forest in a pre-season friendly at SMH Group Stadium, 3pm kickoff Saturday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 13, 2024 at 3pm UK at SMH Group Stadium

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Chesterfield vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Can Nottingham Forest Assert Dominance Over Chesterfield in Pre-Season Opener?

As Nottingham Forest prepare to embark on their pre-season campaign, they face a challenging opener against Chesterfield at the SMH Group Stadium. This match serves as the beginning of Forest’s summer preparations, while Chesterfield continue their own pre-season after a recent defeat to Matlock Town.

Nottingham Forest’s Premier League Survival and Ambitions

Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season, finishing 17th with a record low of 32 points for a surviving team. Despite the precarious position, Forest managed to secure their spot in the top flight, thanks to the combined efforts of managers Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo. The team’s late resurgence, including wins in two of their final three games, was crucial to their survival.

Looking ahead, Santo’s men have a packed pre-season schedule featuring matches against notable teams such as Elche, Olympiacos, Villarreal, Sunderland, and Millwall. However, their first challenge comes against League Two side Chesterfield, a team with a successful recent history in the lower leagues.

Chesterfield’s Return to the EFL

Chesterfield have made a triumphant return to the English Football League after a dominant campaign in the National League, where they amassed 98 points and scored an impressive 106 goals. Manager Paul Cook has revitalised the team, guiding them back to League Two after a six-year absence. Despite ending the season with a few stumbles, Chesterfield were undeniably the best team in their division.

Their pre-season began on a less positive note with a penalty-shootout defeat to Matlock Town. Nonetheless, Chesterfield will view the match against Nottingham Forest as an opportunity to test themselves against higher-level opposition and fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead.

Expected Line-Ups and Tactical Insights

Chesterfield: Boot; Sheckleford, Dunkley, Grimes, Gordon; Naylor, Akinola; Colclough, Mandeville, Dobra; Madden

Chesterfield are expected to field a mix of experienced EFL players and promising talents. The midfield pairing of Naylor and Akinola will be crucial in maintaining control, while the attacking trio of Colclough, Mandeville, and Madden will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses in the Forest backline.

Nottingham Forest: Miguel; Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo; Danilo, Sangare; Elanga, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi

Forest’s line-up will likely feature a combination of new signings and established players. The attacking trio of Elanga, Anderson, and Hudson-Odoi promises creativity and pace, while Awoniyi will aim to capitalise on chances created. Defensively, Murillo and Omobamidele will need to be solid against Chesterfield’s dynamic forwards.

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield battle between Chesterfield’s Naylor and Akinola and Forest’s Danilo and Sangare will be pivotal. Controlling this area will allow either team to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities. On the wings, the duel between Elanga and Gordon could be decisive, with both players known for their speed and attacking instincts.

Gameplay Dynamics

Forest are likely to dominate possession, using their superior technical skills to control the game. Their high pressing approach will aim to disrupt Chesterfield’s build-up play and force errors. Chesterfield, on the other hand, will rely on quick transitions and counter-attacks, hoping to exploit any gaps left by Forest’s advancing full-backs.

Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses

Nottingham Forest: Forest’s strengths lie in their attacking versatility and pressing game. Players like Hudson-Odoi and Elanga can stretch defences, while Awoniyi provides a focal point in attack. However, their defensive organisation has been suspect, often leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Chesterfield: Chesterfield’s primary strength is their cohesive unit and ability to score from various situations. Their midfield is adept at controlling the game, and they have a potent forward line. Nevertheless, their defence can be prone to lapses, especially when facing higher-quality opposition.

Managerial Critique

Nuno Espirito Santo has shown resilience in steering Forest clear of relegation, yet his tactical rigidity has been questioned. His reluctance to adapt mid-game has often left Forest exposed. In contrast, Paul Cook has revitalised Chesterfield with a clear attacking philosophy, though his team’s defensive frailties remain a concern.

Expected Goals Analysis

Forest’s goal-scoring average of 1.3 goals per game in the Premier League indicates their capability but also highlights their struggles in front of goal. In contrast, Chesterfield’s impressive 2.3 goals per game in the National League showcases their attacking prowess, though this was achieved against lower-tier defences.

Predictions

Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals Given the attacking nature of both teams and the typical open play of pre-season matches, predicting over 3.5 goals seems a strong bet. Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities combined with Chesterfield’s scoring ability suggest a high-scoring encounter.

Correct Score: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Chesterfield While Forest are likely to dominate, Chesterfield’s ability to find the net should not be underestimated. A 3-1 scoreline reflects Forest’s superiority but also acknowledges Chesterfield’s attacking threat.

Goalscorer Prediction: Taiwo Awoniyi to Score Awoniyi’s presence in the Forest attack makes him a prime candidate to score. His physicality and finishing skills will be crucial in breaking down Chesterfield’s defence.

First Half Result: Nottingham Forest to Lead Forest’s superior quality and the likelihood of them starting strongly suggest they will lead at half-time. Their pressing game could force early mistakes from Chesterfield, leading to a first-half advantage.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Nottingham Forest Over 6.5 Forest’s attacking setup and the calibre of players like Hudson-Odoi and Elanga indicate they will frequently test the Chesterfield goalkeeper. Predicting over 6.5 shots on target reflects their offensive potential.

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