Preview: Halifax Town vs. Chesterfield - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are in fine form, and are continuing their pursuit of first-placed Wrexham, who they are currently six points behind with a game in hand.

Match preview

Halifax endured a difficult start under new manager Chris Millington at the beginning of the season, having seen previous manager Pete Wild, who twice led them to the playoffs, leave to join League Two side Barrow.

The Shaymen did not score a goal in their opening four games, putting in some lacklustre performances, with a heavy 4-1 loss in their fifth match keeping them rooted firmly to the bottom of the National League table.

However, the outlook is now more positive for Millington's side, as they are up to 15th in the standings, after displaying playoff form in their last 15 matches, in which they have acquired 24 points.

The Yorkshire side never seem to win by many, with four of their last five league victories being by a solitary goal, but they have put in resolute defensive performances to just about get over the line.

Their last game at the Shay was a prime example of this, as they emerged 1-0 winners against playoff-chasing Boreham Wood, however they could not follow it up in an away trip to Yeovil Town last weekend, losing 1-0 due to a first-half Matt Worthington penalty, a result that leaves them 15th.

While form has picked up recently for the Shaymen, it in no way compares to how Chesterfield have been doing of late, who have won eight and drew one of their last nine games in all competitions.

The Spireites have displayed remarkable defensive aptitude in the majority of these games, picking up four clean sheets in their last six, having previously only picked up one in nine.

To go along with the strong backline, Paul Cook's side have sent a warning out to the rest of the National League with their attacking firepower, most significantly in the 5-1 win away at Torquay United in the middle of November, with five different goal scorers getting in on the act.

League form has been very impressive, but Chesterfield are also through to the first round of the FA Cup following two wins against League Two opposition in the opening rounds, beating Northampton Town 1-0 at the Technique Stadium, before dispatching of AFC Wimbledon 2-0 at Plough Lane last weekend.

Armando Dobra struck just before the interval and Jeff King added a second with a little under 15 minutes to spare, setting up a money-spinning third round clash with West Bromwich Albion in January.

Halifax Town National League form:

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Halifax Town form (all competitions):

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Chesterfield National League form:

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Chesterfield form (all competitions):

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Team News

Halifax top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe returned to the team off the bench last time out, having served his one-game suspension, and he should lead the line alongside Robert Harker.

Tom Clarke is not in contention for the foreseeable future due to an Achilles injury, but Jordan Slew is eyeing a return, and could be preferred to Harvey Gilmour on the wing.

Jordan Keane is also eyeing a return to the squad after an injury issue, but he may not be deemed fit enough to start by manager Chris Millington.

Star striker Kabongo Tshimanga had only featured off the bench in recent outings, with Joe Quigley instead being preferred in the Chesterfield attack, with Paul Cook having an array of options to choose from.

Ollie Banks has been making good progress in his return from a hamstring injury and could make the squad, while Akwasi Asante was on the bench against Wimbledon, and could get some minutes for the first time since October on Saturday.

Manny Oyeleke has a knee issue, which will prevent him from returning until the New Year, while Lucas Covolan is out due to an ankle problem.

Halifax Town possible starting lineup:

Johnson; Golden, Debrah, Stott, Senior; Capello, Spence, Summerfield, Slew; Dieseruvwe, Harker

Chesterfield possible starting lineup:

Fitzsimons; King, Palmer, Grimes, Clements; Oldaker, Jones, Mandeville, Dobra, Whelan; Quigley

We say: Halifax Town 0-1 Chesterfield

There is seemingly no reason for Chesterfield's incredible run of form to be halted, as they take on a team below them by a long chalk in the league standings. Halifax have improved recently and may make it tough, but the visitors know how to get the job done on the road.

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