Oldham vs Walsall: Looking at the Latics
They are the perennial strugglers who always seem to drag themselves to safety in League One.
And Oldham look set to repeat the trick yet again despite a disastrous start to the 2017/18 campaign.
Rock bottom having taken only four points from their opening nine games, the Latics made the bold decision to sack John Sheridan as boss.
But while a number of big names were interviewed for the post – including Paul Scholes – it was first-team coach Richie Wellens who went on to get the top job at Boundary Park.
Wellens was appointed manager after going on a five-match unbeaten run while in caretaker charge.
The Latics’ good form continued with wins over Blackburn and Bury. They then went through November unbeaten as the managerial bounce continued.
But their form began to dip around Christmas with a draw against Doncaster beginning a run that saw them go nine league games without a win.
Wellens again, though, managed to steady the ship with Oldham having won four, drawn three and lost just two of their last nine games. That run has seen them move two points clear of the drop zone and up to 19th in the table.
Key to their hopes is the form of on loan Preston striker Eoin Doyle.
The 30-year-old former Cardiff City, Chesterfield and Hibernian forward has netted 16 goals in 27 appearances this season. And he will lead the line tonight having recovered from a blood clot in his left shoulder.
Oldham, though, do have concerns at centre-back. Former Saddler Anthony Gerrard and Kean Bryan are both injured.
And that means the home side will have two youngsters at centre-back with Ben Hamer, 18, likely to partner George Edmundson, 20, at the heart of the defence.
Despite the absentees, Wellens confirmed Oldham will be going all out to win.
“For me, it’s the biggest game of the season,” he said.
“A win would allow us to create a bit of a gap between us and some of the other teams.
“It’s a huge game, but we’re playing alright at the moment. We’re playing some decent stuff and I like the energy and intensity that I’m seeing.
“I don’t think Boundary Park is an easy place to come to for opposition teams.”
