Southport v Macclesfield
4/10 Macclesfield 0ah 1.80
Southport can’t seem to buy a win at the moment, after a decent patch of form a couple of months ago, they are now falling deeper in the relegation scrap and have yet to win in 2015. Sacked their manager and results have failed to improve. It is four defeats in a row now and in the last week, morale has hit an all time low after a midweek a 2-1 loss at home to an out of form Eastleigh while last Saturday, they lost 4-2 at home to fellow relegation battlers Alfreton.
Macclesfield have been poor for two matches this week against Welling and Altrincham but still came out winners and currently reside in a handsome looking second place. A squad with more depth in midfield since the transfer window, has given the Macc the confidence to keep going and perhaps even challenge Barnet for the automatic spot.In the week Macclesfield were excellent in the first half against Altrincham but let Alty back in the game in the second half. A third game playing poorly seems unlikely for the Silkmen and even if they aren’t 100% they can grind out results, if they can get back towards their best a win here should be a given.
Aldershot v Welling
3/10 Aldershot to win 2.00
Massive game here. These two sides are drifting towards the relegation places as they fight it out with Alfreton and Southport for safely- so far in 2015, neither club have claimed a poin.t which is absolutely abysmal but that will change for at least one of them this weekend Aldershot have been poor throughout the season but have shown absolutely no sign of improvement for many months. The Shots have actually lost their last four games, in fact, in their last eight home games they have scored six goals and amassed just fours points. BUT this is their best chance of victory yet and have good run of games coming up – Welling (H), Alfreton (A), Dartford (H).
Welling have started to fall after losing manager Jamie Day at the end of 2014 and the affects of his loss are clear to all. Welling have gone one better than Aldershot and have lost their last five games but haven’t registered a victory for eight games. They seem to be doing their best to head back to the Conference South. Jake Gallagher and Anthony Jeffries will be unavailable through suspension.
For me not only home advantage sways me towards the Shots but they also have the better team. Importantly, Aldershot have a strong record against the bottom six Conference sides having won six of their seven games scoring 14 along the way. Jamie Day did an incredible job keeping Welling at this level and those managers are few and far between. It may turn how to be who can be the best worst side.
Wrexham v Barnet
2/10 Both Teams to Score 1.77
Barnet always score. Their incredible scoring record is the main reason they sit top of the table. The big question here will be whether or not Wrexham can carry over their excellent cup form into the league finally. In mid week they beat Halifax away from home to reach to Semi Finals of the FA Trophy. Last weekend they won on penalties away to Gateshead.It has been a great week for the Welsh side. The confidence will be very much sky high and I am backing them to score against the league leaders who have been far from convincing in recent games especially on the road. Wrexham cant really get promoted or relegated and hopefully with the Cup to look forward to, they will try and play some attacking football. Barnet need to win as pressure mounts from the rear via Macclesfield, and goals will arrive in the form of Akinde who is edging toward 30 goals for the season. Prolific.
Lincoln City v Chester City
3/10 Lincoln to win 2.70
Lincoln have the most diverse home/away form in the league. Absolutely dreadful and shocking on the road but at home have a fantastic record and play like a totally different side. Until they show me otherwise I will continue to back Lincoln at home after sevens wins from their last seven games. This Saturday fans are allowed to pay what they like to watch the Imps and they’re expecting a very big crowd which should make quite the difference.
Chester have had such an indifferent season but after their last campaign will be happy with a position of midtable mediocrity to give them a springboard for next season. 17 points from 17 games away from home isn’t the worst record but just like their tag line for their campaign do far it has to be described as ‘average’
Altrincham v Forest Geen & Gateshead v Nuneaton
2/10 Forest Green to score & Gateshead to win 1.66
Forest Green have been relentless is recent weeks but will find it tough away at Alty. Green have all the capability to win but a goal should be the minimum. Jon Parkin continues his excellent January form into February and is quite simply a goal machine at this level.
Nuneaton are the worst team in the entire world away from home it seems while Gateshead have all the quality players to finish the season well and nail a play off place. This victory is imperative for the North East side though and nothing but three points will be good enough.
Braintree v Alfreton
1/10 Both Teams to Score 1.80
Alfreton seem to have the most potential to stay up at the moment out of the teams struggling. Great performances have given the fans and club a lift and they will go here with no fear. Alfreton will certainly be targeting three points as there is a lot more work to be done before they start feeling confident about safety. In Alfreton’s search for goals, they will leave plenty of chances at the back for Braintree to take advantage of. Could be a lively game if Alfreton’s recent matches are anything to go by.
Braintree are very comfortable in mid table and have had plenty of games postponed, they have not played since the start of the month, leaving them with games in hand. Braintree’s last two home games have seen both teams score, and when the poorer clubs visit, Braintree tend to concede with Southport and Welling finding the net earlier in the season.
