The strengths and weaknesses of Chesterfield's next opponents Ebbsfleet United

Here’s everything you need to know about the next visitors to north Derbyshire...

How’s their season gone so far?

Like Chesterfield they are positioned in the National League relegation zone and are one place and four points behind the Spireites.

Manager Garry Hill was sacked last October after less than a year in charge with the club bottom of the division after 16 matches.

Kevin Watson took over from Hill and was named permanent manager after lifting them off the bottom, collecting seven points from his first nine games.

What’s their current form like?

Pretty good.

They are unbeaten in their last four league games, picking up eight points from a possible 12.

After getting thrashed 7-0 by league leaders Barrow and suffering a 2-0 defeat to Harrogate Town, Fleet picked up a point and a clean sheet at Torquay United. They then beat Woking at home 2-1, drew with Sutton United and beat Chorley 1-0.

What are Ebbsfleet’s weaknesses?

Their leaky defence, which is the worst in the league having conceded 62 goals. However, that is only three more than the Spireites who have the joint second-worst defence with 59 goals along with Torquay United.

Chesterfield have scored the most goals out of all the teams in the bottom nine with 45, while Ebbsfleetn have scored three fewer goals with 42.

Who is their top scorer?

Former Chesterfield striker Gozie Ugwu with nine league goals.

The 26-year-old never scored a goal for the Blues in 19 appearances and was sent out on loan to Boreham Wood and then Ebbsfleet before signing permanently.

Ugwu scored both of Fleet’s goals against Chesterfield in the 2-2 draw earlier in the season in November.

Speaking to the Derbyshire Times in May 2019 about his first season at Town Uwgu said: “It was difficult.

“Just when I thought I was finding my feet within the playing system, that was when I got injured.

“From there it was pretty much a write-off.

“With the team going down and not being able to play a part to help, that was frustrating on my part.”

Any other news?

Winger Myles Weston, who bagged seven league goals in 27 appearances this season, was allowed to leave the club last month.

The 31-year-old linked up with his former Fleet boss Daryl McMahon at fellow strugglers Dagenham and Redbridge.

What’s our score prediction?

There is no doubt that this a big game for Chesterfield and one John Pemberton will definitely be targeting three points from.

A win for the Spireites is likely to take them out of the relegation zone and possibly up a couple of places in the table.

It will be a tight, tense game but we think the Blues will just edge it 1-0.