Macclesfield are likely to be unchanged for the visit of Bury, with Matthew Tipton's three goals in two games keeping out Neil Ross, who has yet to score since his '30,000 move from Stockport.

George Abbey, impressive both in attack and defence, will keep his place at the expense of former ever present Steve Hitchen.

Bury won the October encounter at Gigg Lane with goals from Andy Preece and Danny Swailes, Macc managing a Kyle Lightbourne consolation.

Lightbourne, the former Bermudan international, is currently in his best form since joining Macc two years ago and many believe it is no coinciden as his contract is up for renewal at the end of the season and he wants a one-year extension.

But he is unlikely to command the '1,700 a week he currently receives.

Best Man

Bury's Colin Woodthorpe will be hoping David Smith gets his chance as the Silkmen's midfielder was best man at his ex-Stockport County team-mate's wedding.

Macc's midweek win over Leyton Orient took them to fifth from bottom.

The Shakers took a priceless point with a battling show at leaders Hartlepool last Friday.

But manager Preece said: "There's such a fight to stay in the league that teams at the bottom haven't been doing too badly.

Pressure at home

"Macclesfield had a good result and that will have given them confidence, but sometimes when you're struggling, it's hard to play in front of your own fans."

With Chris Billy injured, Preece must decide whether to leave Martyn Forrest in his starting line up for Bury's first ever competitive match at the Moss Rose, or bring back Terry Dunfield after dropping the former Manchester City midfielder last week.

LAST SEASON: Different divisions.

KEY PLAYERS:

Matthew Tipton (Macc): Hit a double in their midweek win, and looking to continue his goalscoring exploits.

Colin Cramb (Bury): Looked dangerous since returning to Gigg Lane.

PREDICTION: Macc 1 Bury 1.

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