Macclesfield vs Oldham Predictions

• Macclesfield have been undefeated in their last nine home matches.
• Oldham conceded at least one goal in each of their last seven matches.
• Oldham have conceded two goals or more in each of their last three matches.

Staying strong

Things at Macclesfield Town this season have not exactly been easy. Already with one of the lowest budgets in the league, they lost manager Sol Campbell due to a financial dispute and with the players and staff frequently being paid late, it is clear there are problems at the club which goes way beyond what is happening on the football pitch.

However, on the pitch the side have stayed pretty resolute and they come into this match undefeated in their last nine home matches. Although the league table is not exactly pretty for them, they will be delighted to have a five point lead and a game in hand over the side in the solitary relegation spot. If the Silkmen are to accomplish their goal and retain their spot in the Football League for next season, then they are going to have to ensure a defence which has seen them concede just 26 times this season remains on song for the remainder of the campaign.

The visitors have also had it tough

While Macclesfield Town face challenges on and off the field, it has not exactly been a fun time to be an Oldham fan over the last few months. Turmoil with the owner off the pitch has combined with an under-performing team on it, and the Latics go into this match knowing that they need three points or else they could swap places with this weekend’s hosts come Saturday evening.

The visitors have frequently been unable to keep the opposition at bay of late and are without a clean sheet in their last seven outings. They have conceded 40 times this season, and with nine of those goals coming in their last three matches, it seems unlikely that they will be in high spirits ahead of a vital clash towards the foot of the league.

A vital day

On the face of it, this clash looks like a typical relegation six-pointer in which either side is capable of upsetting the other and boosting their own survival bid. However, dig a little deeper and you will see a side who are going well on home soil and have a solid defensive foundation to build from coming up against a side who concede plenty and who have not exactly enjoyed their travels this season. It should prove to be Macclesfield’s day, but given their inconsistencies this term, backing them with the “Draw – No Bet” clause looks like the wise thing to do.

In terms of a correct score tip, the hosts have built much of their success on a strong defensive foundation so should be hard to breakdown. However, their visitors have scored five in their last six so, even though they concede an average of 1.83 goals per game on the road and have conceded two or more in each of their last three matches, it appears they may be able to cause some trouble for the defensive minded hosts. With this in mind, backing a 2-1 home win looks to be the way to go.