CHESTERFIELD, England (Interstat) — A tight League Two contest is forecast when Chesterfield hosts Notts County on Friday, with a statistical projection pointing toward a share of the points.

The Boxing Day fixture at Technique Stadium pits two mid-table sides in England’s fourth tier looking to build momentum into the new year. The Interstat game simulator projects a 1-1 draw.

Chesterfield (8-9-5) enters on a positive note, coming off a 1-0 away victory over Shrewsbury Town on Dec. 20. That result snapped a three-match winless streak in league play. The Spireites have been strong at home lately, losing just once in their last five matches at Technique Stadium, a run that includes a 3-1 win over Barnet on Dec. 13.

Notts County (9-7-6) arrives after a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Walsall on Dec. 20, which halted a promising two-game winning streak. The Magpies had previously recorded consecutive victories over Grimsby Town (2-0) and Milton Keynes Dons (3-2). Their form has been inconsistent, however, with just two wins in their last six league outings.

Recent history suggests a competitive match. Both teams have shown an ability to score but also a vulnerability at the back. Chesterfield’s last five matches have averaged 3.4 total goals, while Notts County’s have averaged 2.6.

The matchup features contrasting schedules immediately following Friday’s game. Chesterfield faces a quick turnaround with a home match against Cambridge United on Monday, Dec. 29. Notts County’s next fixture is also on Dec. 29, but they must travel to face Milton Keynes Dons.

Key players to watch will be the goal scorers from each side’s last victory. Chesterfield will rely on the confidence from its shutout win at Shrewsbury, while Notts County will look to rediscover the attacking form that produced five goals in its two games prior to the Walsall stalemate.

With the simulator predicting a deadlock, the game may be decided by which side can better capitalize on limited chances in what is expected to be a closely fought, physical holiday fixture.