Buxton travel to Chester in the National League North playoffs, with the winner facing a tricky trip to Kidderminster in the Semi-Final. We have our match preview and betting predictions.
Chester knew where they stood on the final day. They couldn't finish anywhere but fourth. Calum McIntyre took this opportunity to take a youthful, rotated squad to Kings Lynn. The Seals were big underdogs heading into this game but emerged 0-3 victors, making it four wins on the bounce and six games unbeaten.
With Kidderminster and Scunthorpe missing out on automatic promotion, Chester face a tough task to gain promotion back to the National League since 2018 but the fans are confident. At the Deva Stadium, they have been strong, losing just twice, with these losses coming on the opening day against champions Brackley and in October against Wednesday's opponents Buxton.
The sale of key player Charlie Caton to League Two side Accrington Stanley in January was bound to affect Chester, but in Tom Peers, McIntyre boasts one of the best players in the league. The 29-year-old has scored 19 goals this season. However, the Crown Jewels of Chester is young centre half Harrison Burke. The 22-year-old has been linked with a host of EFL clubs so Wednesday could be his last game at the Deva Stadium. Burke has scored 11 goals this season.
Buxton will come into this game full of confidence. They snuck into the playoffs on the final day so have momentum and will fancy their chances of upsetting some teams en route. If The Bucks are to gain an unlikely promotion, they will have to win at Chester, Kidderminster and Scunthorpe. However, John McGrath's side are the only side to win at Scunthorpe, while being one of two to win at Chester this season, as well as holding Kidderminster to a draw.
Hired in the summer after a stellar job at Mickleover, who have since been relegated since his departure, McGrath is a high-touted manager who will be excited to make a name for himself in the playoffs.
While they are ranked as outsiders both in this game (4.00) and in the promotion hunt in general (29.00) Buxton excel under pressure and against big teams - something that may see them upset a few.
Score Prediction: Chester 1-1 Buxton - Buxton To Advance
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