Kristian Dennis (pictured) is Chesterfield's danger man, with 13 goals to his name so far. The 27-year-old was top scorer last season, and is currently on track to make it back-to-back top scorer awards. The Manchester-born striker had spells with Macclesfield, Stockport and Curzon Ashton before moving to the Proact.
Spireites’ manager Jack Lester had an illustrious career as a player, scoring goals consistently for the likes of Chesterfield, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers. Having managed various Forest academy sides, Lester took the job at Chesterfield last September.
Reds have never beaten Chesterfield in three previous games, something Harry Kewell will be looking to change on Saturday. Our first meeting in November 2014 ended in a 1-1 draw. A 70th minute equaliser from Gavin Tomlin earned us a point that day but in the return game the following January Reds were beaten 3-0. Earlier this season, Crawley lost 2-0 at the Checkatrade Stadium to the Spireites.
Head Coach Harry Kewell knows how tough the game will be. He said: “Chesterfield were arguably the best side we’ve played at home this season when they won here 2-0, Saturday will be a very difficult game. They beat Luton a couple of weeks ago - that's how good they are.” The Reds are currently second in the League 2 form table, having taken 15 points from the last six games. Victory for Crawley would make it three wins in a row for the second time in the last five weeks. Chesterfield are sat 17th in the form table, having picked up seven points from a possible 18. After two wins they lost 1-0 at home to Stevenage last Saturday.
Chesterfield were one of the busiest League Two clubs during the transfer window. They signed four new players this week including striker Louis Dodds from Shrewsbury and out-of-contract former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Giles Coke. Lester further added to his attacking options with the capture of teenager Jacob Brown and winger Dylan Mottley-Henry, both on loan from Barnsley. Left-back George Smith, who had a loan spell with Reds in 2016 when he was a Barnsley player, was recruited from Northampton on an 18-month deal.