Dean Smith: Walsall should emulate hosts

The game pits together the losing Johnstone's Paint Trophy finalist from the last two years.

Chesterfield were beaten 2-0 by Peterborough at Wembley 12 months ago but Saddlers boss Smith, whose side are keen for a victory to ease any fears of the drop, is taking some comfort from their record after that.

Paul Cook's side went unbeaten for the rest of the campaign to win promotion from League Two.

"That bodes well," smiled Smith, who has pulled no punches over the disappointment of his own team's performance against Bristol City last weekend.

"We had them watched last week when they played Peterborough in the league last week and they were very unfortunate to lose the game.

"They have good players, are a good team and they will know exactly how we are feeling after their defeat in the JPT final last year. They bounced back to get promoted."

The Spireites currently sit right in the middle of the congestion zone otherwise known as League One's mid-table, four places and five points ahead of the 16th-placed Saddlers.

They will pose a stern test at home, having one of the league's strongest strikeforce's even after the January departure of Eoin Doyle to Cardiff.

Sam Clucas has taken over the Irishman's role as the focal point of the attack and has 10 goals to his name.

Their recent form is a microcosm of the inconsistency which has racked so many teams in the division this year, with four wins and six defeats in their last ten games.