The Chesterfield FC vs Swindon Town match is one of the much-awaited League Two opening matches. Chesterfield FC is back in the English League Two after 6 years spent in the National League from where they got promoted last season after a brilliant campaign, finishing 1st with 98 points, winning 31 matches, with 5 draws and 10 losses). Let’s proceed with a closer look at both teams.
Chesterfield FC: The Outsider
After several seasons spent in the National League, Chesterfield FC is back in the EFL League Two with ambitions to not only stay in the league but to push for League One qualification. Their last span in the EFL League 2 was simply catastrophic! They ended the season rock-bottom with 38 points from a possible 138 (10 wins, 8 draws, and a whopping 28 losses).
The club has made some key signings to strengthen the squad. Tim Akinola, Kane Drummond, Chey Dunkley, and Lewis Gordon are some of the new signees.
The preseason campaign of Chesterfield wasn’t a great success! With just 2 wins in 5 (recording 2 losses and a draw in the process). Failing to score in 3 of these matches (0-0 against Matlock Town, 0-3 against Nottingham Forest, and 0-3 against Sheffield United) raises a course of concern about Paul Cook’s game tactics. On another note, one could argue that friendly games don’t matter much, thus we should wait until the first few matches to better appraise what his boys can do.
Swindon Town: Aiming Higher
After an average and disappointing 2023/2024 season, Swindon Town debuts the new EFL League Two season with high hopes, aiming to do better than the 19th position of last season. They finished the last campaign with 54 points (recording 14 wins, 12 draws, and 20 losses).
Just like any other team, Swindon Town had some friendlies to prepare for the new season. Recording 3 convincing wins out of 4 matches (4-1 against Swindon Supermarine, 2-0 against Hungerford Twon, and 3-1 against Melksham Town). Their only defeat came against the more experienced Swansea City Championship side (3-1 was the scoreline).
The club was busy during the transfer window; bringing in several good players, the likes of Dylan Mitchell from Aston Villa and Ollie Clarke from Mansfield Town; previously Premier League and League One players respectively.
Head-to-Head: A Toss of a Coin
The last time both teams met was in 2018 and Chesterfield United had the upper hand, clinching a 2-1 victory. Altogether, they faced each other 5 times between 2016 and 2018, Chesterfield United won 3, 1 match ended in a tie, and Swindon Town won 1. With an average of 2 goals scored, one can anticipate a game with goals come August 9th.
Prediction: A Game of Inches
It’s hard to call this one. Chesterfield United will be at home and confident enough after their brilliant promotion to the League and also backed by their favorable head-to-head record against Swindon Town. However, the away side is highly motivated following their impressive preseason campaign and will be confident they can at least get a point in this encounter in the worst-case scenario.
On my side, I will be closely monitoring the team news as the days go by to bring to you the most accurate prediction possible. So, please be on the lookout for the upcoming update.
Update
Chesterfield FC comes into this match in high spirits following their comfortable 3-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe United (L. Mandeville 22′, R. Colclough 18′, and M. Jacobs 7′). Furthermore, Chesterfield FC’s record at the SMH Group Stadium was simply outstanding; winning 19, drawing 3, and recording only a single loss, needless to say, they are a difficult side to break when on their home turf.
Swindon Town equally concluded their preseason campaign on a good note. Clarke was the only player on the scoresheet with his 67th-minute goal that proved enough to give The Robins a narrow win.
As discussed previously, the Head-to-head stats give Chesterfield FC as favorites, but I don’t think they can pull off a win against Swindon Town in their opening game. I anticipate a slow game especially in the first half, as both sides will struggle to set the tempo and impose their respective tactical plans. A first-half draw here is very likely and that’s my bet on this match. The odd on VIP-IBC for this market is 2.570. If you still haven’t, please sign up on the best betting platform today so that you don’t miss out on the highest odds and limits on my predictions.