Chesterfield vs Doncaster Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 6 December

Chesterfield will host Doncaster in an exciting FA Cup clash at the SMH Group Stadium this Saturday, 6 December. With both teams preparing to battle for a place in the next round, the stakes are high in this knockout competition, where defeat means elimination. Chesterfield, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the SMH Group Stadium to their advantage.

Doncaster, meanwhile, will aim to upset the hosts and progress further in the FA Cup. With both sides eager to make their mark, this match promises to be a compelling encounter. The FA Cup is renowned for its surprises, and both Chesterfield and Doncaster will be determined to avoid being on the wrong end of an upset. Fans can expect a competitive and thrilling contest as these two teams vie for victory.

Chesterfield vs Doncaster Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Doncaster Rovers to Win	2.3

Taking into account recent form and the psychological advantage from their latest meetings, our recommended betting tip is to back Doncaster to win. Their consecutive 5-1 victories over Chesterfield highlight their attacking strength and ability to exploit Chesterfield’s defensive weaknesses.

• Doncaster’s recent form is impressive, with back-to-back 5-1 wins against Chesterfield.
• Chesterfield’s defensive vulnerabilities have been clearly exposed in their recent matches.
• Doncaster’s confidence and attacking momentum make them the stronger side in this fixture.

Betting Odds

Chesterfield face Doncaster in what promises to be a thrilling FA Cup encounter at the SMH Group Stadium. The betting odds indicate a closely contested match, with Doncaster slightly favoured at 2.19. However, Chesterfield’s odds of 2.93 suggest there is value for those backing the home side.

Betting Tip	Odds
Chesterfield to win	2.93
Draw	3.5
Doncaster to win	2.19

The draw is priced at 3.5, reflecting the competitive nature of this fixture. For those considering alternative markets, both teams to score could be a wise choice given the attacking quality on display.

Chesterfield Analysis & Past Performance

Chesterfield’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest outing was a heavy 1-5 defeat against Doncaster in the EFL Trophy, underlining defensive weaknesses.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Doncaster	Chesterfield	5 – 1 (Loss)	EFL Trophy Final Stage	2 Dec, 2025
Chesterfield	Swindon	1 – 2 (Loss)	League Two	29 Nov, 2025
Crewe	Chesterfield	3 – 3 (Draw)	League Two	22 Nov, 2025
Grimsby	Chesterfield	0 – 1 (Win)	League Two	15 Nov, 2025
Chesterfield	Liverpool Academy	N/A	EFL Trophy Northern Group H	11 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:
Chesterfield have managed to score in all five of their recent matches, averaging 3.60 goals per game. However, they have conceded an average of 4.60 goals, resulting in a negative goal difference over this period. Despite their attacking threat, the team’s defensive frailties are evident, with only one clean sheet in these games.

Home Performance:
At home, Chesterfield have struggled to make the most of their advantage, securing just one victory in their last five home fixtures. Their home win ratio stands at 20%, with the defence conceding in four out of five home matches, highlighting the need for greater solidity.

Key Players and Tactical Insights:

• LLDWL

Lee Bonis has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to the team’s goal-scoring efforts. Chesterfield’s tactics seem to favour aggressive attacking play, but this has often left them exposed at the back. A more balanced approach may be necessary to improve their recent record.

Chesterfield Suspensions & Injuries

Chesterfield approach their upcoming FA Cup tie against Doncaster with a fully fit and available squad, a welcome position in the midst of a demanding season. This absence of injuries and suspensions allows manager Paul Cook to select his strongest lineup, providing tactical flexibility and depth.

With no unavailable players, Chesterfield can field their preferred formation, potentially sticking with the setup that has brought them success in recent matches. This continuity on the pitch is likely to enhance team chemistry and performance, giving them a strategic edge over Doncaster.

With key players such as Ryan Boot in goal and a solid defensive line featuring Cheyenne Dunkley and Jamie Grimes, Chesterfield can focus on maintaining a robust defence without worrying about filling gaps due to injuries. The midfield and forward lines, including talents such as Liam Mandeville and Will Dickson, can operate at full capacity, aiming to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

The full squad availability not only boosts Chesterfield’s chances in this tie but also provides a psychological advantage. With no injury or suspension concerns, they can approach the game with confidence, which may influence betting markets to favour a home victory given their complete lineup.

Chesterfield Key Players

Chesterfield’s attacking threat is led by Lee Bonis, the team’s top scorer with one goal this season. Bonis is pivotal in leading the line with his sharp instincts and ability to exploit defensive gaps. His positioning and finishing could be crucial to breaking down Doncaster’s defence in the upcoming FA Cup clash.

In midfield, Chesterfield will rely on their playmakers to control the tempo and supply Bonis with key passes. While specific names are not detailed, the midfield’s role in transitioning play from defence to attack will be vital. Defenders, tasked with maintaining a solid backline, will need to be alert to Doncaster’s attacking threats.

The tactical impact of Chesterfield’s lineup will likely hinge on their ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. The key players’ strengths in maintaining possession and creating chances will be essential in dictating the match’s pace and potentially securing a victory.

Chesterfield Tactics and Formation

Chesterfield Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Will Dickson
• Midfield Engine: Liam Mandeville and James Berry
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded five goals in the last match against Doncaster.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing.

Chesterfield’s 4-4-2 formation provides a balance between attack and defence, with Will Dickson and Gunner Elliott leading the line. The midfield, featuring Ronan Darcy and Luke Butterfield alongside Liam Mandeville and James Berry, focuses on controlling the tempo and facilitating wide play.

Defensively, Chesterfield face challenges, as shown by their recent 5-1 defeat to Doncaster. The backline, led by Cheyenne Dunkley and Jamie Grimes, will need to tighten up to avoid conceding early goals. The inclusion of full-backs Vontae Daley-Campbell and Adam Lewis is crucial for providing width and supporting attacking transitions.

Offensively, Chesterfield tend to emphasise crossing from wide areas, aiming to exploit the aerial ability of their forwards. However, the lack of clean sheets in recent matches highlights the need for improved defensive coordination to complement their attacking ambitions.

Doncaster Analysis & Past Performance

Doncaster’s recent form has been strong, recording three wins, a draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their most recent victory was a commanding 5-1 win over Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Doncaster	Chesterfield	5 – 1 (Win)	EFL Trophy Knockout Stage	Dec 2, 2025
Doncaster	Peterborough	2 – 1 (Win)	League One	Nov 29, 2025
Stevenage	Doncaster	0 – 0 (Draw)	League One	Nov 22, 2025
Lincoln City	Doncaster	2 – 1 (Loss)	League One	Nov 15, 2025
Doncaster	Bradford	3 – 1 (Win)	EFL Trophy Northern Group C	Nov 11, 2025

Recent Form:

• WWDLW

Doncaster have averaged 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings, highlighting their attacking capabilities. However, they have also conceded an average of 1.00 goal per match, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Despite this, they have kept one clean sheet, balancing their offensive and defensive efforts. Their away form, however, has been less convincing, with just one win out of five, resulting in a 20% win ratio on the road. This suggests some struggles when playing away, which could be significant in their upcoming fixtures.

Doncaster Suspensions & Injuries

Doncaster are fortunate to approach this FA Cup tie with Chesterfield without any suspensions or injuries in their squad. This clean bill of health allows manager Grant McCann to field his strongest lineup, giving him the freedom to employ his preferred tactics without any forced changes. The availability of key players such as Thimothée Lo-Tutala in goal and Billy Sharp up front ensures Doncaster can maintain their typical playing style and tactical setup.

With a full squad at his disposal, McCann can focus on exploiting Chesterfield’s weaknesses rather than compensating for any absences. The presence of experienced players like Sean Grehan and Matthew Pearson in defence will be crucial for maintaining a solid backline, while the midfield dynamism offered by Robbie Gotts and Ben Close should help control the tempo of the match.

The lack of unavailable players also means Doncaster can approach this fixture with greater confidence and flexibility. This could prove advantageous as they look to progress in the competition, especially given the unpredictable nature of cup matches.

In terms of betting, Doncaster’s full-strength squad may make them a more attractive option for punters. With no key players sidelined, they are well positioned to deliver a strong performance, potentially shifting the odds in their favour against Chesterfield.

Doncaster Key Players

Doncaster’s top scorer, Billy Sharp, has been instrumental with his single goal so far, but his reputation as a seasoned forward brings tactical depth to the team. Sharp’s poaching instincts and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to Chesterfield’s defence. His experience and leadership up front could be crucial in breaking through the opposition’s backline.

In midfield, the expected lineup suggests a robust presence that could dictate the game’s tempo. Although specific names are not detailed, the central midfielders will need to provide both defensive cover and attacking support, ensuring that Sharp receives the necessary service to capitalise on scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Doncaster’s lineup will aim to maintain a solid structure to thwart Chesterfield’s attacking efforts. The defenders’ ability to stay organised and communicate effectively will be crucial in preventing any lapses that could lead to goals. The tactical impact of a disciplined backline cannot be underestimated in a cup fixture where margins are often slim.

Doncaster Tactics and Formation

Doncaster Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible, likely 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Billy Sharp
• Midfield Pivot: Ben Close and Robbie Gotts
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on ball retention and attacking transitions.

Doncaster’s recent performance, including a 5-1 win over Chesterfield, suggests a preference for a flexible formation, often utilising a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 setup. This allows them to adapt their play depending on the match situation, with Ben Close and Robbie Gotts providing stability in midfield.

Offensively, Billy Sharp remains pivotal, using his experience and goal-scoring ability to lead the attack. Supported by wingers such as Glenn Middleton, Doncaster focus on quick transitions and exploiting defensive gaps, particularly effective against teams that press high.

Defensively, Doncaster have faced challenges, with only one clean sheet in their last five games. The defensive line, featuring players like Tom Nixon and Matthew Pearson, needs to tighten up to prevent conceding, especially during set pieces and counter-attacks.

Chesterfield vs Doncaster Head-to-Head Record

In head-to-head meetings, Doncaster hold the advantage with six wins compared to Chesterfield’s three, with five draws between the sides. The most recent encounter saw Doncaster thrash Chesterfield 5-1 in the EFL Trophy Final Stage, demonstrating their attacking strength.

The last time Chesterfield hosted Doncaster, they emerged victorious with a 5-2 win in a League Two clash earlier this year. This indicates that Chesterfield can be formidable at home, especially when in good form.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Doncaster Rovers	Chesterfield	5 – 1	EFL Trophy Final Stage	2025-12-02
Chesterfield	Doncaster Rovers	5 – 2	League Two	2025-02-06
Doncaster Rovers	Chesterfield	0 – 3	League Two	2024-09-28
Chesterfield	Doncaster Rovers	1 – 1	League One	2016-04-19
Doncaster Rovers	Chesterfield	3 – 0	League One	2015-11-24