Chesterfield vs Oldham- Preview and Best Bets

This week's live TNT Sports game is potentially the match of the season as the two title favourites in Chesterfield and Oldham face off.

Season so far

Chesterfield have lived up to their title favourites tag, sitting at the top of the league with three wins in three. An opening day home thriller saw Chesterfield defeat Dorking 4-3, before 4-2 and 2-1 away wins at newly promoted AFC Fylde and Oxford City.

While Paul Cook will be pleased with his side's attacking play, he will look to iron out these defensive mistakes, which could cost them against higher profile teams such as Oldham.

Oldham went into the season as second favourites for the title, but David Unsworth’s side have flattered to deceive. The Latics lost 4-0 to financially stricken Southend before beating Aldershot 5-1 and being shocked 2-1 at home to Halifax.

Last Season

 Chesterfield finished third last season, straggling behind record-breakers Wrexham and Notts County. Cook’s side cruelly lost on penalties to rivals Notts County, so he will be determined to skip the lottery of the playoffs and win the league outright.

The summer window has certainly matched this ambition, with Tom Naylor and Will Grigg in particular making strong signings.

This season’s games have continued a familiar theme for the Spireites: their games averaged 2.89 goals per game. This number was higher at home, with 3.2 goals per game. They also scored an average of over two goals per home game and have further augmented their already potent attack this summer.

Oldham were in grave danger of back-to-back relegations, but a 2023 revival saw the Latics finish 12th. A strong summer, coupled with this end-of-season form, saw Oldham labelled as most people's favourites to challenge Chesterfield for the title.

Last season, Oldham games were chaotic, with Unsworth’s side scoring 63 goals and conceding 64, for an average of 2.7 goals per game.

Key Men

 Ryan Colclough joined Chesterfield in January from Altrincham and ended the season with 14 goals. The 28-year-old has continued his fine form this season, scoring two goals in his first three appearances. He is again priced at a generous 4.33 to score.

Oldham’s key man is undeniably James Norwood. The 32-year-old scored 12 goals last season for Barnsley in League 1, and it's a real coup that the Latics have managed to sign him. The striker scored a brace in the dismantling of Aldershot and will look to spearhead Oldham’s attack once more. 

Score Prediction 

4-2 Chesterfield - 41.0

Best Bet:

As mentioned, Ryan Colclough’s goalscoring price of 4.33 presents real value based on his current form. However, the best bet revolves around goals. Chesterfield’s three National League games thus far have averaged 5.33 goals, with the Spireites scoring at least two in every game. They’ve also conceded in every game.

Oldham have conceded 2+ in 2/3 games, and 2/3 have seen over 2.5 goals. With a leaky defence and the prolific James Norwood upfront, goals are to be expected.

Over 2.5 goals and Chesterfield over 1 goal has landed in all three Chesterfield games and is a nice price of 1.95 with Bet 365 to land again.

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