Saturday 20th August

Barnet v Macclesfield Town

The Silkmen

League Position - 21st

Points - 1

Current Sequence - LD

Colours - Blue and White

The Bees

Barnet welcome Macclesfield Town back to Underhill this Saturday for their 2nd home game of the new season.  After 2 excellent away performances the Bees will be looking to bring the form which has seen them take 6 points from the last 2 games back to Underhill.  Excellent victories at Northampton (1-2) and Carlisle (1-3) have been earnt by 2 great performances by last years Conference champions.  

The Bees currently occupy 2nd position with 7 points from a possible 9.  All Barnet's goals so far have come in the 2nd half and at Northampton and Carlisle the Bees had to come from behind to claim victories.  The new 4-5-1 formation has seen goals coming from midfield as Sinclair and Bailey both notched 2 goals to add to Richard Grahams finish against Bristol Rovers.  The formation has had its critics but it has certainly ensured results as Barnet have dominated matches through the midfield.  

Giuliano Grazioli managed to chalk up his first goal of the campaign against Carlisle.  Service had been limited to the isolated Grazioli but he seems to be getting more chances in the right areas now which is encouraging.  I am sure this will be the first of many Grazioli goals this season.

Yakubu's injury at Northampton saw Anthony Charles move in to partner Simon King in the centre and the introduction of Adam Gross.  Charles has performed excellently in his new role and Adam Gross has looked very comfortable on the left.

Macclesfield Town

Macclesfield have played only 2 games this season.  This is due to their home game against Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.  They have obtained 1 point from the 1st 2 games which sees them lying in 21st position in the league.  A home draw at home to Cheltenham came after a 2-1 reverse away to Orient.  

Macclesfield's goals have come courtesy of Paul Harsley, Neil Mackenzie and Martin Bullock, all claiming 1 each.  They have conceded 4 goals - 2 in the away loss to Leyton Orient and 2 in the 2-2 draw with Cheltenham after a spirited fight back.

Mark Bailey has been injured for the Silkmen but looks to be back in contention for the match on Saturday.

The Match

Barnet go into the game unbeaten whilst Macclesfield are yet to register a win.  I feel that the 4-5-1 formation that Fairlough has adopted will prove too strong for Macclesfield who have made a bad start to the campaign.  If Yakubu is not fit then Anthony Charles is more than capable of filling his boots and has proved this on his previous 2 performances.  I would expect the Bees to line up as they did against Carlisle with no new injuries of note.  A strong line-up for a team on a role - I would expect a Bees victory.      

Weather - Sun behind a cloud

Prediction - Barnet 3 - 0 Macclesfield