English Npower League 2 Preview: Week 14
Chesterfield are three points clear at the top of League Two after a strong start to the campaign that has seen them start to create a gap to the chasing pack.
Next up is a trip to Stevenage, who have made a very strong start to life in the Football League after winning the Blue Square Premier last season. Graham Westley's men currently sit in eighth, only one place and one point outside the play-offs, and, along with Chesterfield, are one of the form sides in the division. The Hertfordshire outfit will be delighted to be on the edge of the race for automatic promotion and this clash against the Spireites is a real chance for them to gauge how far they've come. Players such as Scott Laird, Michael Bostwick and Chris Holdroyd have started to show that they are capable of mixing it with the very best in the division and they will continue to come to the fore as the campaign progresses. Stevenage have, however, struggled to consistently pick up three points at home with only two wins from six games at Broadhall Way so far this season. That will provide Chesterfield with some hope for the weekend but they have been much stronger at home this season than on their travels. The Spireites have claimed 19 out of 21 points at the B2net Stadium so far but it is a record of nine out of 18 for John Sheridan's outfit on the road. They have drawn three of their six away games and they could be forced to settle for another point on Saturday. That won't be a bad result for Chesterfield and is worth backing at a general 3.30. Two of the sides at the opposite end of the standings also meet on Saturday with Stockport hosting bottom-of-the-table Hereford. The Bulls are impressing under caretaker boss Jamie Pitman with a current unbeaten run of three games pulling them level on points with Northampton and two points away from safety. Hereford's last away game was against the Cobblers and they secured an incredible 4-3 victory after ending the first half with a 3-0 deficit. Stockport will provide a new test and the Hatters, like Stevenage, have struggled to pick up home wins so far this season. They have drawn four of their six games at Edgeley Park but a decent record on the road sees them sit five points clear of the drop zone. Striker George Donnelly will provide the main threat to Hereford's defence but the Bulls look in decent shape and the 3.25 on offer with Bet365 and Betsson for the draw is the call. PICKS:
Stevenage to draw with Chesterfield at 3.30 at Bet365.
Stockport to draw with Hereford at 3.25 at at Betsson and Bet365.