FA Cup Second Round: Chesterfield Host Doncaster in Revenge Battle with High Stakes
Chesterfield are set to host Doncaster in the FA Cup second round, looking for revenge after a recent heavy defeat in the EFL Trophy. This match holds significant importance for both teams, as the winner will earn a chance to face a top-tier club in the third round and secure substantial prize money, adding immense motivation and pressure to the encounter.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match marks the Second Round of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup. As the world's oldest football tournament, the FA Cup is renowned for its 'giant-killing' potential, offering significant financial incentives for lower-league teams. Winners of this round will receive £75,000, while the losing side still earns £20,000. Crucially, advancing to the Third Round means a potential draw against a Premier League or Championship team, which brings not only prestige but also substantial gate receipts.
Chesterfield currently competes in League Two, while Doncaster earned promotion to League One last season, adding a cross-divisional dynamic to this cup tie. Adding to the narrative, Chesterfield suffered a resounding 1-5 defeat to Doncaster in a recent EFL Trophy match, undoubtedly fueling their desire for revenge on home turf in this FA Cup encounter.
Recent Form
Chesterfield's recent form over their last five official matches includes a 1-5 loss to Doncaster in the EFL Trophy, a 1-0 victory over Stevenage in the FA Cup, a 4-1 win against Newport (League Two), a 2-2 draw with Bromley (League Two), and a 1-1 draw against Milton Keynes Dons (League Two). Despite the heavy EFL Trophy defeat, their FA Cup first-round performance was strong, and their overall league form is decent, placing them ninth in League Two with a particularly solid home record.
Doncaster's recent five official matches include a 5-1 victory over Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy, a 1-2 loss to Peterborough (League One), a 0-0 draw with Stevenage (League One), a 1-2 loss to Lincoln (League One), and a 1-3 loss to Bradford (League One). While they secured a dominant win over Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy, their overall League One form has been poor, with the team currently sitting in 19th place and showing inconsistent results in recent league fixtures.
Key Players & Injury News
Chesterfield will be boosted by the return of two key players, with Ryan Stirk (quad) and Will Grigg (groin) both recovered from injury and available for selection. Additionally, the experienced duo of John Fleck and Tom Naylor are expected to return to the midfield, while Lee Bonis will lead the line, supported by Dylan Duffy, Liam Mandeville, and Dilan Markanday. However, Tyrone Williams, Matt Dibley-Dias, and Armando Dobra remain sidelined with injuries.
For Doncaster, Toyosi Olusanya remains sidelined. However, key midfielders Luke Molyneux, Harry Clifton, and Owen Bailey are expected to return to the starting lineup. Brandon Hanlan may lead the attack, potentially allowing 39-year-old Billy Sharp—who recently scored a hat-trick against Chesterfield in the midweek EFL Trophy clash—to be rested. Defender Jamie Sterry, who suffered a facial injury in August, is expected to have returned to action by this match.