Find out more about Saturday's opposition...
- Form:
Victory over Yeovil last weekend gave the Silkmen their first win in eight games as they look to plot a route to Sky Bet League Two safety. Prior to that though, Macclesfield had won their last two games, which helps shine a rosier complexion on their recent form.
- Top Performers:
Striker Scott Wilson has hit double figures for the season, helped largely by a lean spell of form throughout the first few months of the 2019 Calendar Year which saw him score five goals in just six outings for the club.
Ever-present experienced midfielder Michael Rose has been doing the business for the Silkmen since joining in the summer, at the heart of much of their good work in attack. Rose has contributed with six assists and four goals from his 37 games for the club this season.
- The Gaffer:
Seven years after retiring from professional football, Arsenal and England legend Sol Campbell was rewarded with his first Managerial job on 27th November 2018 when he was appointed boss of Macclesfield Town.
Marooned at the bottom of the EFL upon his arrival, Campbell has helped chip away at their seven point deficit to be now just three points away from safety. Speaking after last weekend’s victory, Campbell said he believes his side have turned a corner.
"Sometimes when you are down there for such a long time you can almost get a mental block. Hopefully it feels like the mental block has gone. It was there for the last five games at least. It feels like it's gone, it's shifted.
"I think the last game was a big kind of watershed for us, hopefully I'm right."
- Key Stats:
After winning just one game from their opening 18 in Sky Bet League Two, Macclesfield have picked up in the second half of the season, having won seven of their last 19.
The Silkmen have scored exactly the same number of goals at home (19) than they have away (19).
Both teams have scored in 67% of Macclesfield’s home games this season.
Macclesfield have conceded the majority of their goals at home in the 15 minutes leading up to half-time (9 out of 29) and full-time (8 out of 29).
- Journalists View with Andy Worth of The Star Lane End:
Who could be Macclesfield's key player on Saturday?
“The Silkmen’s key player on Saturday is most likely to be Elliott Durrell. Elliott has had an injury hit season and has recently returned to the starting line up. Elliott is a charismatic and dynamic fans favourite whose wing wizardry can cause havoc to opposition defences when he is really on his game.”
What do Stevenage have to do to beat Macclesfield?
“Stevenage need to limit the influence of Elliott Durrell, and find a way of getting past Manchester United loanee goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara who has been in fine form for the Silkmen this season. Kieran has become a firm fans favourite with his impassioned displays this season and is a fabulous shot stopper.”
What do Macclesfield have to do to beat Stevenage?
“Get Elliott Durrell on the ball as much as we can to help to get good service to Harry Smith who has excelled since the arrival of Sol Campbell. If Scott Wilson plays he can be lethal in front of goal when given even half a chance."
Result Prediction?
“I am going for 3-1 to the Silkmen. I have no idea why, but it would be nice to score a few goals and get a win and a crucial three points towards our relegation survival fight; particularly in front of the home faithful."
---
