Morecambe vs Macclesfield Predictions

After being predicted by most to struggle this season, Morecambe have done just that, winning just once in eight games and losing seven of them.

Their season started in the worst possible way, with a 6-0 away thrashing by Crewe on the opening weekend raising concerns even higher that it could be this season where Morecambe finally capitulate in League Two. Moreover, they lost their next two league games without scoring a goal against Exeter and Stevenage to further confirm this.

Whilst they have continued to lose games, manager Jim Bentley’s side have played some better football than results have suggested. The team has competed well and, since that defeat against Crewe, haven’t lost by more than two goals and have lost matches 3-2 against Bury and Carlisle.

Certainly, the team has spirit and exhibited this in their singular win of the season against Northampton at home. The side went 1-0 up just before half-time but had goalkeeper Barry Roche sent off with five minutes to go. As Morecambe had already used all three substitutes, midfielder Alex Kenyon went in and made two spectacular saves to hold on for all three points.

They will need that level of spirit and determination throughout the season to have any hope of survival. With stalwarts in the side like Kenyon and Roche, as well as Kevin Ellison and the returning defender Sam Lavelle, they have leaders within the squad that can keep other players’ heads up. However, their toothless display in their last match, a 2-0 away loss to Crawley will surely have knocked confidence.

Likewise to Morecambe, Macclesfield are another side on a tight budget and tipped for relegation. They sit one place below Morecambe in the league in 23rd and have had a rather bleak start to the season.

The team hasn’t won yet and has suffered damaging losses against teams around them, such as a home defeat to Grimsby and a 3-0 defeat away at Crewe. Moreover, they have suffered heartbreak against the better sides. They conceded two stoppage-time penalties against Swindon Town away to lose 3-2, whilst in their last game against leaders Lincoln City, they conceded an 87th minute winner to lose that match 2-1.

However, the fact they have competed well should give them hope that they can pick up the required amount of results to stay up. In addition, the team have at least drawn two matches. Whilst they would have been disappointed with the home draw against Cheltenham, they would have been pleased with the 1-1 draw away at Mansfield, who, until last weekend had  been unbeaten in the league and look a strong outfit. Their two impressive penalty shootout wins in the cups against League One sides Blackpool and Bradford should also give them some belief that they can beat teams in this division.

Furthermore, the performances of goalkeeper Keiran O’Hara, on loan from Manchester United, have been a particular highlight of Macclesfield’s season. He has kept them in matches with his saves and was exhibited with his defence against Lincoln’s strong attacking force. They will need him to be on top form throughout the season if they have hope of staying up. Although, it could be a long season for Macclesfield regardless, as they seem to be lacking quality throughout the team.

Indeed, we think Morecambe could come away with their second win of the season in this match. They have a rigid game plan when it comes to getting results at home and they will likely deploy the same tactics that saw them beat Northampton narrowly. It could well be the same 1-0 result here if Morecambe play this plan to a tee.

However, it remains to be seen how damaging that limp loss to Crawley was and their attack could falter in this match. Furthermore, Macclesfield could play Morecambe at their own game and make it a compact match with few chances. Therefore, a Morecambe Draw No Bet is a safe bet to make with two teams that look simply devoid of confidence.