Visitors tipped to progress

ON paper, Saturday’s FA Trophy duel between Macclesfield and AFC Sudbury of the Ryman Premier League has ‘away win’ written all over it.

While they were disappointed to exit the FA Cup, following their FA Trophy win over Altrincham in the previous round, Macclesfield are now 14/1 (Winner.com) to lift the trophy. Despite being drawn away from home, bookies believe that Town will have little difficulty overhauling a Sudbury team two divisions below them; no wonder William Hill price them at 8/11 to win.

However, although Sudbury are Skybet’s 7/2 underdogs, few punters are anticipating a walkover. The Silkmen’s form over the past month has been patchy, an adjective equally applicable to Sudbury’s recent performances.

Indeed, the match stats team at bettingexpert.com remind us that prior to Tuesday, Sudbury have managed to win just four of their 13 home league contests this season

It follows that most backers expect the contest to be dominated by defences, a view which complements the appeal of both 888sport’s 14/5 odds posted about the draw and BetVictor’s 11/2 for both halves to end all-square.

In other markets, Marathonbet’s 5/4 for the match to yield fewer than 2.5 goals looks decent value, while the 9/5 Ladbrokes offer for the Silkmen to retain a clean sheet has proved popular.

Meanwhile, Paddy Power rate the chances of Macclesfield securing victory without conceding to be a 13/5 shot and 188bet post 10/3 in favour of them enjoying a one goal margin of victory.

Odds courtesy of customisable odds comparison site www. smartbets.com - make sure you’re getting the best free tips for the all cup ties online at www.bettingexpert. com