On Tuesday night, National League promotion hopefuls Macclesfield Town host Gateshead at the Moss Rose Ground.
The home side are currently second-place in the National League table. However, they are level on points with table-topping Sutton United, only second due to an inferior goal difference.
This game is the north west side's game in-hand on Sutton, so even a draw in this clash would put John Askey’s team in pole position to seal the one automatic promotion spot to League Two.
Failure to win in their last two National League games has hampered their chances of promotion. Last time out the home side drew 2-2 with Maidstone Town.
Their recent National League games have been high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven outings.
The Silkmen have a strong recent home record in the National League, as they are currently ten games unbeaten at Moss Rose.
Gateshead are currently 13th place in the table under former Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle man Steve Watson. The visitor’s boss was also previously assistant manager of the home side.
The Tynesider’s are just eight points clear of the relegation zone, so are still looking over their shoulders nervously at the drop zone.
The visitor’s recent form in the National League has been inconsistent. However, they have won just two of their last seven league outings. Last time out in this competition Watson’s side drew 2-2 at home against Solihull Moors.
Gateshead have been hard to beat on their travels in the National League of late, losing just one of their last nine games on the road. The side from the north east has only failed to score in one of their last 14 away games in this competition.
Neither sides form has been great of late in the National League, so it is little surprise that Forebet predicts that this game will finish in a low-scoring draw.