Macclesfield vs Notts County Predictions

After the disgraceful 8-0 defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup, many predicted that things would get even worse for Macclesfield. They had been humiliated on the national stage, without a win in the league and lacking the infrastructure required to really succeed at this level. However, since then they have secured two positive results and have doubled their points tally in the league.

Their first good result was at home to Forest Green Rovers, who were unbeaten in the league. Macclesfield drew 1-1, equally matching a side in the play-offs and responding positively to that defeat against West Ham, as well as to Forest Green going in front. Scott Wilson equalised, whilst they pushed for a winner when they could have settled for a draw and that should be encouraging to fans and the manager alike.

It was an even better performance in their next match against second-placed Newport County away from home. Macclesfield shocked everyone by going two goals up in the first 20 minutes. Even after Newport had brought it back to 2-2, Macclesfield responded by scoring their second penalty of the evening but their hearts were broken with a 97th minute equaliser from the home side. Despite this, they can take great encouragement in matching one of the best sides in the league. If they can repeat this spirit throughout the season, they have a great chance of staying up.

Another team who have experienced a recent upturn in form are Notts County under new manager Harry Kewell. He seems to have finally settled his team down and they have won their first two games of the season in the last week.

Indeed, the most recent win was an impressive 3-1 home victory against Kewell’s old side Crawley. Even with ten men, the hosts looked comfortable and added to their lead whilst a man down. This had followed on from a 2-1 victory against Crewe, also at home. At times in both matches, the team looked like the pre-season promotion favourites everyone thought they would be.

It has meant that Notts County are currently on a four-game unbeaten run, having also drawn with Stevenage in a thrilling 3-3 match and a goalless draw with Northampton. Evidently, Notts’ attacking prowess is up to scratch, with striker Jon Stead acting as a focal point and supported by Kane Hemmings, as well as the wing-play of Enzio Boldewijn.

This has been in contrast to the start of the season, which has been beyond abysmal for Notts County. Former manager Kevin Nolan was sacked after a run which saw them pick up only one point from their first seven matches. Even in Kewell’s first game they lost 5-1 to Exeter City. Thus, Kewell has done a great job turning things around and the club can look upwards towards getting into the top-half.

Duly, we think Notts County will make it three wins in a row against a Macclesfield side who will still be reeling from having victory snatched away from them against Newport. With their renewed sense of fight though, Macclesfield will make a good fist of it, so backing Notts County to Win 2-1 and BTTS in a closely-fought match seems appropriate as the club continues their rise up the table.