Macclesfield vs Lincoln City Predictions

Despite being promoted as champions from the National League last season, Macclesfield have endured a tough start to the season, sitting in the relegation zone without a win after seven matches.

They have lost five out of their seven matches but have competed relatively well in most of them. They were denied a win on opening day in heart-breaking fashion, conceding two penalties in stoppage time against Swindon to lose 3-2. Macclesfield also closely lost to Stevenage in their most recent match, losing 1-0, however did not threaten much going forward.

Indeed, in other matches, they have looked a clear class below their opponents. They were well beaten by Oldham away from home, whilst looked poor in a home defeat to fellow strugglers Grimsby and a thrashing by Crewe Alexandra away. It does not bode well for the club and they look weak in all areas.

There is some cause for optimism, however. They have at least drawn two matches. The 1-1 draw with Mansfield away has been their best result and they need to recapture the grit and compactness they showed there to start competing better in other games. On the other hand, the home draw against Cheltenham is another disappointing result and they need to improve quickly to stay in the division.

In stark contrast, Lincoln have made a fantastic start to the season and look set to be promoted if they can keep this form going, which has left them top of the table after seven matches.

They have looked a class above throughout much of the early season, picking up some great results against fellow promotion candidates. In particular, they thrashed Swindon 4-1, beat Notts County 3-1 and swept Exeter aside away 3-0 to show their potential to win this league.

Within the team, there are some players in sparkling form. Striker John Akinde, who was brought in during the summer, has already scored five goals, whilst captain Lee Frecklington has got three from midfield. The defence has also kept three clean sheets to give them the joint-best goal difference in the division.

However, there have been the occasional slip ups which have threatened to derail Lincoln’s momentum. They were held to a draw away at a struggling Grimsby side, although a point isn’t too bad a blow to take. In addition, the team were thrashed 4-1 by Blackburn in the Carabao Cup. Again, it was not hugely damaging but still enough to dent the confidence.

The biggest slip-up was in Lincoln’s most recent match, at home to managerless Crawley Town. They looked below par and were 1-0 down at half time to a well-organised team. They also had captain Frecklington sent off in the second half to compound what was a deeply disappointing day at the office. The Crowley brothers will have to make sure there is no complacency in the team and will want a big response against Macclesfield.

Indeed, we think they will get that response against a Macclesfield side devoid of confidence. Lincoln will just be too strong for the home side in this match but with Macclesfield looking stronger at home, they could pull one back.

Thus, backing Lincoln to Win & BTTS looks a good bet to make, with a 1-3 correct score-line showcasing what should be a relatively comfortable win for Lincoln.