Oldham Athletic play host to Tamworth on Saturday afternoon looking to keep the pressure on the pacesetters in the National League table.
At a time when the Latics sit in fifth position in the standings, Tamworth are occupying 14th spot and remain clear of the relegation zone.
Match preview
![Oldham Athletic Manager Micky Mellon is managing during the Pre-season Friendly match between Oldham Athletic and Stockport County at Boundary Park in Oldham, England, on July 13, 2024. [on August 18, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/33/micky-mellon.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Oldham Athletic Manager Micky Mellon is managing during the Pre-season Friendly match between Oldham Athletic and Stockport County at Boundary Park in Oldham, England, on July 13, 2024. [on August 18, 2024]")
© Imago
Although Oldham are sitting down in fifth position in the table, there has been a wave of positivity at Boundary Park in recent months.
Their only defeat across normal time in 13 matches came against Solihull Moors by a 3-2 scoreline back on November 5, while the standout result is the 2-1 triumph away at League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup.
As far as National League action is concerned, just two defeats have been posted in 17 outings, albeit with just two wins coming from their most recent five outings.
Last time out, Micky Mellon's side earned a goalless draw away at third-placed Barnet, ensuring that they remained within three points of that position.
Only one defeat and six goals conceded have come in home league fixtures, yet Oldham have prevailed on just four occasions in front of their own fans.
Meanwhile, seven of Tamworth's last eight matches in all competitions have been played at home, including their famous 1-0 triumph over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup.
Nevertheless, that remains their only success in their last five games, scoring just three goals during that period.
Andy Peaks' side had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to bottom-placed Ebbsfleet United last weekend, despite the visitors playing the remaining nine minutes plus added-on time with 10 men.
While Oldham have lost just once at home, Tamworth have prevailed just twice away, against Braintree Town and AFC Fylde in successive matches back in September.
Team News
Having earned a share of the spoils at Barnet, Oldham boss Mellon may be prepared to stick with a similar starting lineup.
Josh Stones, Josh Kay and Sam Clucas were all introduced before the hour mark versus the Bees and are alterative options.
Clucas is an obvious alternative to Kai Payne, who has returned to Wigan Athletic after the end of his loan stint.
Kai Williams is in line to come into the Tamworth XI on the left flank having netted the goal against Ebbsfleet.
Callum Powell could drop down to the substitutes' bench in what may be the only alteration made by Peaks.
Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:
Hudson; Ogle, Raglan, Monthe; Caprice, Clucas, Conlon, Kitching; Drummond, Norwood, Lundstram
Tamworth possible starting lineup:
Singh; Cullinane-Liburd, Digie, Hollis, Fairlamb; McGlinchey, Milnes, Tshikuna, Tonks, Williams; Creaney
We say: Oldham Athletic 2-1 Tamworth
Tamworth showed in the FA Cup that they are capable of rising to the occasion when faced with higher-quality opponents. However, on this occasion, we feel that Oldham will do enough to edge their way to victory, potentially by the odd goal in three.
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