**Macclesfield roll into round 3 unbeaten in their last five, but Scarborough are scrappy and dangerous on their day.** 🔵 This is a proper cup tie energy matchup where form can matter less than who shows up hungry.

Macclesfield are the heavy favorites here — three wins in their last five is a solid run. Scarborough have wobbled lately with three losses mixed in, though they did take care of business against Dunston and Hull City U21 recently.

Key storylines:

- **Macclesfield's midfield control**: J. Kay anchoring the 4-1-4-1 will be crucial in dictating tempo and breaking up Scarborough's transitions.
- **Scarborough's width threat**: A. Wiles and D. Tear down the flanks could create chaos if Macclesfield's full-backs (L. Lacey, L. Duffy) lose focus.
- **Clinical finishing**: A. George up front for Macclesfield has the platform to punish; L. Hall for Scarborough will need support from L. Colville if they're to sneak a result.

Expected lineups:

- **Macclesfield FC**: C. Dibble, L. Lacey, S. Heathcote, C. Borthwick-Jackson, L. Duffy, J. Kay, C. D. Santos, P. Dawson, E. Osborne, L. Matheson, A. George
- **Scarborough Athletic**: R. Whitley, A. Brown, K. Weledji, A. Purver, J. Waldron, A. Wiles, L. Maloney, D. Tear, H. Green, L. Colville, L. Hall

Prediction:

**Macclesfield 2-1 Scarborough** — Macclesfield's unbeaten streak carries them through, but Scarborough will make it competitive.