Leyton Orient and Oldham Athletic square off on Saturday afternoon looking to book their place in the FA Cup third round.
At a time when the home side sit in 21st position in League One, Oldham occupy fourth spot in the National League table.
Match preview
© Imago
Leyton Orient take a break from League One matters on Saturday but they will be well aware that it remains their priority for the season.
Just four wins and as many as nine defeats have been posted in 16 matches, two of the victories in question being posted in their last five fixtures.
However, since easing past Blackpool by a 3-0 scoreline, Orient have played out a goalless draw at Stevenage before losing 2-0 at home to Huddersfield Town.
With Richie Wellens' side sitting one point adrift of safety, there is an argument that they need a fixture such as Saturday's to regain some confidence.
Boreham Wood were defeated on penalties to reach this stage, Orient having given up a two-goal lead against the non-league side before eventually coming through from 12 yards.
As for Oldham, they have overcome each of Halifax Town and Tranmere Rovers to move one game away from a first appearance in the third round since 2021.
Taking the scalp of a League Two side will fill them with confidence ahead of the trip to Brisbane Road, particularly when that has been backed up by losing just once in 15 National League fixtures.
Most recently, the Latics have recorded successive 4-0 victories over Tamworth and Boston United to strengthen their hold of fourth position in the table.
Also possessing the joint-best defence in the fifth tier, Micky Mellon's side will believe that they can record another eye-catching result in what is turning out to be an encouraging campaign.
Team News
![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
Wellens will consider making several changes to his Leyton Orient XI having introduced three fresh faces at half time versus Huddersfield.
Jack Simpson and Dominic Ball will both hope for opportunities in defence and midfield respectively.
Jordan Graham and Diallang Jaiyesimi are yet to make a single start in League One during 2024-25, yet may be introduced in the final third here.
Mellon could plausibly stick with the same Oldham XI that cruised to victory over Boston last time out.
Josh Kay, Kane Drummond and Mike Fondop are all alternatives if he wishes to introduce fresh legs after Tuesday's fixture.
Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:
Keeley; James, Beckles, Simpson, Currie; Brown, Warrington; Jaiyesimi, Galbraith, Kelman; Perkins
Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:
Hudson; Ogle, Raglan, Monthe; Caprice, Lundstram, Conlon, Clucas, Kitching; Stones, Norwood
We say: Leyton Orient 2-0 Oldham Athletic
Given their contrasting league positions, this has the potential to be a hard-fought contest. Nevertheless, we feel that Orient's greater quality will eventually shine through, potentially during the second half.
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