Macclesfield v Barnet preview

Macclesfield duo in running for striking role

Last updated: 23rd March 2008

keith alexander macclesfield

Alexander: Considering changes

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Macclesfield will be hoping to pull further clear of trouble as they entertain in-form Barnet at Moss Rose.

Macclesfield will be keen to bounce back from defeat in the Lancashire derby with Stockport.

Michael Symes and Gareth Evans are vying for a return in attack alongside top scorer Francis Green after Martin Gritton was withdrawn for Evans at half-time against County.

Gritton has been struggling recently with hamstring problems.

Silkmen manager Keith Alexander could again start without back-up for Jonny Brain on the bench as out-of-favour second-choice goalkeeper Tommy Lee joined Rochdale on loan last week.

Neil Ashton could also be drafted into defence after featuring on the bench last time out.

Alexander will be wary of securing Macclesfield's League Two status after their brief winning run came to an end at the weekend.

Birchall set to keep place

A haul of eight goals in two successive victories has lifted injury-hit Barnet ahead of their trip to struggling Macclesfield.

Adam Birchall is almost certain to retain his place after scoring a hat-trick against Lincoln on his return to the starting line-up.

Anthony Thomas should start alongside him, with Cliff Akurang sidelined with hamstring trouble.

Injury-ravaged Sagi Burton had a successful return as skipper in the absence of Ismail Yakubu (match fitness), while Joe Devera should play through shin splints.

If Yakubu does not recover, Ian Hendon could come in for Keith Gillet, who was withdrawn on Saturday after suffering an ankle knock.

Michael Leary returns from a four-game ban and is an option if Bees boss Paul Fairclough decides changes are needed.