MACC'S next two games against fellow strugglers Southend tomorrow and Darlington next Saturday could decide their future League status.

George Abbey is recovering from a dead leg received in training and through still tired after his exertions in the African Cup of Nations, says he owes Askey some performances.

His presence will ensure that Macc stick with the wing-back system which was employed to stop them leaking goals.

With 51 in the against column, they are the division's joint worst defenders alongside Cheltenham.

New signings 6ft 4in John Parkin, playmaker Paul Harsley and left wing-back Graham Potter are all certain to start having impressed on their initial performances.

LAST SEASON: Southend 1 Macclesfield 0

KEY OPPONENT: Tesfaye Bramble - a muscular centre forward.

PREDICTION: Southend 2 Macclesfield 3 Tweet