Chesterfield vs Gillingham - League Two

The history between Chesterfield and Gillingham lends this League Two fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 1, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The standings paint a clear picture: Chesterfield in 12th, Gillingham in 11th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have struggled for consistency, WDDLW in their last five pointing to a win rate of 33.33%. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, WWDDD in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. Where Chesterfield have leaned on defensive discipline, Gillingham have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Chesterfield may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Gillingham have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

When A. Newby is on the pitch — 6 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the League Two's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. In the Premier League alone, Hall enjoyed a breakthrough season under Eddie Hall, scoring a goal and bagging an assists in 30 appearances.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. On balance, Gillingham may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. With positions in the League Two table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.