Another chance for young goalkeeper to impress, the trio who desperately need minutes and midfield competition - six talking points as Chesterfield prepare to face Alfreton Town

Another look at Dylan Wharton?

The young goalkeeper played the second half in the win against Belper Town and boss John Pemberton will probably want to have another look at him in a match situation. Wharton was one of the players who was let go by the club in the summer because of the academy restructure but Pemberton let him and others train with the first-team to help keep them fit. Wharton has apparently done well in sessions so far and after the Belper fixture Pemberton hinted at offering him a deal with fellow stopper Luke Coddington out for at least another two months. I’d expect Kyle Letheren to start the game but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pemberton cast his eye over Wharton once again.

What about fellow youngster Luke Rawson?

Pemberton would like to give Rawson an opportunity this season and he played the full 90 against Belper last time out. The Spireites boss already knows what he can expect from Nathan Tyson, Tom Denton and Scott Boden so there’s a decent chance that Rawson will get another run-out on Saturday. Pemberton believes we will see a massive difference in Rawson once he scores his first goal and the young striker will be desperate to get off the mark sooner rather than later.

Key minutes needed for trio

Given the friendly against Matlock Town on Tuesday had to be postponed it’s fair to say Pemberton will be keen to get as many minutes under his players’ belts as possible. Nathan Tyson (tightness), Haydn Hollis (chest) and Curtis Weston (calf) did not feature against Belper so as long as they have recovered then I think we could see the trio at least play 45 minutes to an hour. Laurence Maguire played 60 minutes against Belper and it will be important for him to rack up some more game time as well.

Midfield competition

If Weston is fit, then it will be interesting which three players Pemberton goes with in midfield. New signing Milan Butterfield and Jonathan Smith both found the net against Belper and they were joined in the centre by Joe Rowley, who is another player the Blues manager will be desperate to have another look at. Town also have Liam Mandeville so Pemberton does have competition for places and with only Guiseley to play after Saturday before the season starts then there is not much time to get that midfield trio settled.

Could we see any trialists?

It’s always a possibility during pre-season but given the club is being very careful with the Covid-19 situation following a positive test among the Spireites’ first-team backroom staff then it is unlikely that they will have allowed anyone new to enter their ‘bubble’. Midfielder Cameron McGilp, 22, who was on trial with the Blues for 10 days, has returned to Swindon Town after Chesterfield opted not to take their interest any further.

Can fans attend the game?

Afraid not. The current rules means that only clubs below National League North/South level can let supporters into grounds. On the plus side a number of Football League clubs have been granted permission to allow 1,000 spectators into stadiums this weekend. If that goes well, then it is another positive step towards fans returning. As always, we will be providing live updates from the game (12noon KO) so keep an eye out on the DT website and social media channels for team news around 11am as well as reaction and analysis after the full-time whistle.