Macclesfield vs Exeter preview

Macclesfield midfielder Ben Stephens is likely to retain his place against Exeter after a man-of-the-match performance on his return to the starting line-up in the 3-1 loss against MK Dons.

Stephens made his first start since Boxing Day, starring in central midfield despite defeat. Manager Sol Campbell made nine changes for the MK Dons game and could revert to a more familiar line-up, with Scott Wilson and Harry Smith restored in attack.

Defender Jamie Grimes (concussion) could be in contention but may not be risked, while goalkeeper Rhys Taylor (hip) remains sidelined.

Campbell’s side remain in the relegation zone, six points adrift of safety after they extended their winless run to seven matches in League Two at the weekend.

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Hiram Boateng could make his first start for Exeter since October.

The 23-year-old midfielder has not started since the goalless draw at Grimsby on October 20, but came through unscathed after 45 minutes as a substitute during the 2-1 defeat against Northampton.

Defender Troy Brown is in contention after returning to the matchday squad on Saturday after being out with a knee injury since September 1, but was an unused substitute and may not be used from the start.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Northampton Town and Exeter City.

Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Northampton Town and Exeter City.

Alex Hartridge made just his second start for Exeter last time out, but could be sacrificed if manager Matt Taylor decides to change from his 3-5-2 formation used in that match, while Jonathan Forte (knee) is set to remain in attack but Dean Moxey (hamstring) is definitely out.

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Macclesfield have only won one of their last nine games against Exeter in the Football League (D4 L4), however that victory did come in this season’s reverse fixture.

Exeter haven’t lost both meetings against Macclesfield in a single Football League campaign since 1999-2000.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Macclesfield and MK Dons.

Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Macclesfield and MK Dons.

Having only lost three of their first nine league matches under Sol Campbell, Macclesfield have since gone seven matches without a win (D3 L4).

Exeter are unbeaten in six away league games on Tuesdays, winning four and drawing the other two since a 3-1 defeat at Harry Kewell’s Crawley Town in November 2017.

13 of Macclesfield’s last 16 league goals have come in the first half of their games; they last scored in the second half of a match against Crewe at the start of February.

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