Chesterfield v Accrington preview

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Nathan Smith is a major injury doubt for the Spireites as the League Two leaders prepare this weekend’s action.

Smith underwent an ankle operation towards the end of last season and has suffered a recurrence of the initial injury. It is not yet known how serious the problem is or how long the left-back might be absent for but he is unlikely to feature against Stanley.

Fit-again club captain Ian Evatt is itching to make his debut and would love to make his first appearance since rejoining the Spireites in front of home fans at the Proact Stadium.

Fellow centre-half Matty Brown continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Stanley boss James Beattie will be without defender Michael Liddle for Saturday’s trip to the east Midlands.

The 23-year-old sustained ankle ligament damage in Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Crewe and is expected to be missing for the next few weeks.

Midfielder Luke Joyce was taken off at half-time with a groin problem in midweek and is rated as doubtful, along with forward Danny Webber who picked up a knock.

Stanley goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli will be hoping to return to the starting XI after losing his place to Ben Wilson at Gresty Road but Ian Dunbavin and Nicky Hunt remain out with long-term injuries.

Chesterfield v Accrington preview

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Caretaker manager Tommy Wright is likely to stick with the same side that secured Chesterfield’s first league win of the season against Accrington, provided veteran striker Jack Lester is able to play twice in four days.

Lester, 36, has scored three goals in seven appearances but started for the first time at home to Wycombe on Saturday, netting the Spireites’ second goal in a 3-1 victory.

He will be assessed ahead of Stanley’s visit to the Proact Stadium on Tuesday night.

Midfielder Danny Whitaker may return to the squad after missing the last two matches with a groin injury.

Goalkeeper Tommy Lee remains sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Oldham at the start of the month.

New signings Matty Whichelow and Piero Mingoia are available to make their debuts when Accrington travel to Chesterfield.

The Watford midfield duo completed loan moves to the Crown Ground on Monday and offer welcome options for boss Paul Cook after Stanley suffered some injury concerns during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Dagenham.

Midfielder George Miller and defender Dean Winnard returned from lay-offs but the former was withdrawn because of a thigh problem and is a doubt alongside Winnard, although the club has not disclosed the nature of his complaint.

Toto Nsiala is set to play through the pain of ankle discomfort to continue at centre-back.

James Gray is back in contention for a place in attack having missed out at the weekend due to illness.

Chesterfield v Accrington preview

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Loan signings Kelvin Lomax and Deane Smalley are added to the Chesterfield squad for the visit of Accrington.

Spireites boss John Sheridan has raided former club Oldham to sign full-back Lomax and striker Smalley on three-month deals.

Meanwhile, defender Scott Griffiths will play the final league game of his three-month loan from Peterborough before returning to the League One club.

Sheridan has no new injury problems after his league leaders drew at Stevenage on Saturday, so striker Dean Morgan (groin) remains the only absentee.

Jack Lester is likely to be restored to the starting line-up alongside leading scorer Craig Davies, with teenager Jordan Bowery dropping down to the bench.

Gregor Robertson was in the squad for the first time since his double leg fracture 12 months ago and the defender could be among the substitutes once more.

Accrington manager John Coleman will have Ray Putterill, Andrew Procter and Jonathan Bateson available after bans for the trip to the league leaders.

Putterill completed his two-match suspension by sitting out Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat to Cheltenham, while Proctor and Bateson missed the game in order to fulfil their three-match bans.

Burnley loanee Kevin Long continues to be absent as he completes his three-match ban for his sending off just 17 minutes into his debut in the 3-2 home loss to Rotherham on October 16.

Coleman has to decide whether to recall goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, who started the first 12 games of the season, or keep number two Alex Cisak who has impressed when starting the last two matches.

Stanley will be hoping to get back to winning ways after failing to register a league victory in their last four matches but will find it difficult as they have yet to win on the road so far this season.