Preview: Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Chesterfield - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the home side head into this fixture searching for the win that will create extra breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Match preview

Having lost in the FA Cup and FA Trophy in quick succession, Paul Cook may have feared that his Chesterfield side could start to unravel during the second half of the campaign.

Instead, they have reaffirmed their status as the best side in non-league, adding another four fifth-tier successes to their tally to move a commanding 19 points clear of second position.

Despite also possessing two games in hand on Bromley, Cook will not feel that the job is done just yet, but the Spireites are dealing with every test put in front of them.

Altrincham, Woking and Southend United were all defeated at their home ground - Chesterfield conceding just once in the process - before they posted a 3-1 triumph at Eastleigh at the weekend.

In total, Chesterfield have now won 10 of their last 11 fixtures, albeit helped by just four of those matches being played on their travels.

As far as Dagenham are concerned, they welcome the runaway leaders looking to record back-to-back victories for the first time since the start of November.

Ever since an eight-match winless streak through parts of September and October, a playoff push has looked unlikely, but losing just twice in their last nine fixtures has ensured that they remain clear of the drop zone.

Ben Strevens's team have been helped by collecting four points from their most recent two away encounters, those games taking place at the home of top-10 teams.

After a 1-1 draw at Solihull Moors, Dagenham & Redbridge posted a 2-1 win at Rochdale at the weekend, making it just four defeats from 16 matches on their travels in the National League this season.

Dagenham & Redbridge National League form:

D

L

W

L

D

W

Chesterfield National League form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Chesterfield form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Strevens may see no reason to make any changes to his Dagenham & Redbridge side after their victory over Rochdale.

If an alteration is made, Dion Pereira could replace Harvey Kedwell on the left flank, the Luton Town loanee having spent the first half of the campaign in League Two with Sutton United.

Having taken his National League tally to 12 goals for the season on Saturday, Inih Effiong should lead the line.

While Cook could also keep changes to a minimum, he has the freedom to freshen up his Chesterfield side should he so wish given the size of Chesterfield's lead at the top.

Ollie Banks, Armando Dobra and Joe Quigley could all be brought into the team in midfield and attack respectively.

Dagenham & Redbridge possible starting lineup:

Justham; Ling, Eastman, Tavares, Vincent; Hessenthaler, Appiah-Fosson, Rees; Kedwell, Effiong, Hill

Chesterfield possible starting lineup:

Tyrer; Sheckleford, Williams, Grimes, Clements; Banks, Naylor; Mandeville, Jacobs, Dobra; Quigley

We say: Dagenham & Redbridge 1-3 Chesterfield

On the back of defeating Rochdale at the weekend, Dagenham & Redbridge will be confident of causing a surprise against the leaders. However, we cannot back against Chesterfield in any fixture at this level, leading us to predict a hard-earned win with several goals being scored in the process.

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