What the Stats Say...Macclesfield

Oxford make the trip to Macclesfield's Moss Rose this weekend and as usual Matt Peck is on hand to recall previous encounters between the two clubs. Also in this bumper stats package Oxford's impressive form is examined, and Oxford's historically poor attacking record is revealed.

THE NUMBERS

Form (League)
Macclesfield: DWLWW (10 Points)
Oxford: WWDWW (13 Points)

Times played (at Macclesfield): 6

Wins

Macclesfield: 4

Oxford: 1

Draws: 1

Goals

Macclesfield: 9

Oxford: 6

Last league Result (At Macclesfield): (16 October 2010)

Macclesfield 3 v 2 Oxford

Bolland (51’) Constable (6’)

Hamshaw (67’) Craddock (45’)

Bolland ( 76’)

OTHER STATS

Oxford and Macclesfield face each other at Moss Rose 364 days since the impressive comeback from the Silkmen against the U’s last season. Leading 2-0 at Half Time, Oxford looked comfortable. However a lacklustre second half allowed Macclesfield to come back and win 3-2.

Oxford’s 13 points from the last 5 games is their best run since 21 November to 5 December where they also accumulated 13 points. The last time Oxford had better than this form was from 28 December 2008 to 24 January 2009, where they collected 15 points from 5 games. Oxford are second only to Southend on 5 match form.

Oxford’s away form has been an impressive part of their current season. Oxford can equal two club records on Saturday, if they beat Macclesfield and keep a clean sheet they will have done so in 4 consecutive away league games.

It is a tough ask for the U’s however, as they have left Macclesfield with all three points on just one occasion, which also happened to be the first league meeting of the two at Moss Rose. Oxford won 1-0 with a 24^th minute goal from Paul Powell.

Macclesfield also hold strong form coming into this game. Unbeaten in their last 5 home games, and having won their last 2 games. Indeed, the last team to beat the Silkmen at home was Dagenham and Redbridge, on the opening day of the season.

Oxford currently possess the best defensive record in the league. Conceding on average 0.83 goals per game and keeping a clean sheet 42% of the time. Indeed, it can easily be seen where Oxford’s game needs to improve.

Oxford lie 11^th based on attacking attributes. Scoring only 1.42 goals on average per game. Despite only failing to score once all season. (Against Rotherham on opening day) This highlights the problem Oxford have had in killing games off, especially at home.

Historically, Oxford’s attacking form has not been great. Averaging above 1.5 goals per game only 3 times since 1984/1985.

Follow @TBFUTH
Follow @mattp2490