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Northampton vs Macclesfield Predictions

  • 14:00
  • Expired
  • Sixfields Stadium
Northampton
Macclesfield

odds when tipped

odds when tipped

Northampton vs Macclesfield Predictions

They may have avoided defeat last time out, though Northampton come into match-day three without a league win under their belts, which doesn’t exactly bode well ahead of a match against a Macclesfield side that beat Leyton Orient by three goals to nil a week ago. Having drawn on the road last week, the Cobblers will be hoping to register three points now back on their own patch.

It’s been a tentative start to the new campaign for the Cobblers, who’ve not been terrible, but who’ve also not really got going. First time out, Northampton struggled to make their mark offensively; they worked the opposition keeper on just three occasions, while they only created 0.87 expected goals for, which suggests that creativity wasn’t their strong point. Fortunately, despite losing by a goal to nil, they did a good job of restricting their opponents, as they allowed just two shots on target and just 0.48 expected goals.

After seeing his side look quite solid on match-day one, boss Keith Curle would’ve been confident ahead of a trip to face Port Vale. The Cobblers did hold on for a share of the spoils, but they gave a considerable amount away, as they shipped 1.73 expected goals and seven shots on target. They did improve slightly in the final third, posting 1.08, which allowed them to register on the score-sheet, though overall, it wasn’t the most encouraging effort.

Macclesfield were unlucky to lose on match-day one; they didn’t create much, but they offered solid resistance, while they did a reasonable job of restricting a good Exeter side.

The Silkmen, who pulled off something of a great escape last term, built on what was an OK opening-day effort by delivering a typically solid home performance last weekend. Once again, they didn’t offer a tremendous amount in terms of creativity, but they prevented their opponents from building up a head of steam, while they were clinical when half-chances arrived.

After delivering a couple of underwhelming efforts, Northampton look plenty short enough ahead of this game. Beating a very disciplined Macclesfield side won’t be easy, or at least it certainly won’t be as simple as the current odds suggest. On this basis, ‘Macclesfield +1 Handicap’ stands out as a viable option.

The visitors won’t adopt a cavalier approach, nor are they likely to make too much headway offensively, but they’ve shown themselves to be sturdy over the first two matches, which bodes well ahead of a game against a Cobblers’ side that has lacked cutting edge. Supporting a 0-0 draw is an option for ‘Correct Score’ punters. Though not exciting, given the early-season efforts of both, an ultra-low-scoring affair makes plenty of appeal.

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