Latics return to Sky Bet League Two action this weekend with a trip down south to take on Exeter City (3pm KO).
Oldham arrive at St. James’ Park on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy.
Despite defeat, Latics still secured a place in the knockout stages of the competition, achieving a second place finish in the group.
Keith Curle's side can face either Accrington Stanley, Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday or Sunderland away with the draw made by the EFL ahead of kick-off in Devon.
Form Guide
Exeter come into the clash in a brilliant run of form that has seen them go 13 league games (14 in all competitions) without tasting defeat, winning their last three in the division as well.
They have also avoided a loss in both the Papa John's Trophy and the FA Cup recently as they overcame Bristol Rovers 5-3 in the former and drew 1-1 away at Bradford City in the former.
It is no surprise that this run of form has the Grecians at the top end of the title. They sit in fourth place, just one point away from a spot in the automatic promotion spots.
Another sign of how good they have been of late is the fact that they have won each of their last three league outings and they will be attempting to make it four when Latics come to town.
The Grecians’ Last Six:
- Exeter City 5-3 Bristol Rovers (PapaJohns trophy)
- Bradford City 1-1 Exeter City
- Salford City 1-2 Exeter City
- Exeter City 2-1 Mansfield Town
- Crawley Town 1-3 Exeter City
- Exeter City 2-2 Newport County
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 33
Latics wins: 11
Exeter City wins: 14
Draws: 8
Scored - 46
Conceded - 54
Latics enjoyed success against the Grecians in both of the two fixtures between the two clubs in the previous campaign.
Last time they met came at Boundary Park as Keith Curle watched his side pick up the first win of his reign at Latics.
Kyle Jameson and Alfie McCalmont scored for Latics to put them two goals to the good and the hosts were able to hang on despite pressure after Jack Sparkes had pulled one back for the visitors.
In the reverse fixture, Latics successfully came from a goal behind to take all three points putting an end to a 13 match unbeaten run for Exeter.
The eye-catching goals around this time last year came courtesy of George Blackwood and Danny Rowe with Randell Williams on the scoresheet for City.
Watch Out For
Matt Jay is the joint top scorer in the division, so far, this season with nine league goals to his name already.
The 25-year-old forward has netted in each of City’s last five League Two outings and Latics will need to be on top of their defensive game to keep him quiet at St. James’ Park.
Jay came through the youth system at Exeter, making his debut back in 2013.
He enjoyed some time away on loan, moving to Weston-Super Mare, Hayes and Yedding United and Truro City.
Last season was his most fruitful campaign to date as he scored an impressive 18 league goals, but he looks set to go even better this time around.
Familiar Face
City defender Jonathan Grounds made 109 appearances in all competitions for Latics between 2012 and 2014.
Grounds was born in Thornaby-on-Tees and was a product of Middlesbrough’s academy from a young age.
He went on to play for Boro, making his debut in January 2008 against Liverpool in the Premier League.
The left-back struggled to nail down a place in the Boro side and after a string of loan deals, he decided to move away from his home club, joining Latics.
Following his spell at Boundary Park, Grounds has turned out for Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Swindon Town before making the move to his current club in July 2021.
In The Dugout
Matt Taylor is the man in the dugout for the hosts.
Taylor was given his first job in management in June 2018 replacing the long serving Paul Tisdale at St James Park. In his first season, the Grecians’ missed out on a place in the top seven by just one point.
The 38-year-old made over 150 appearances as a player for Exeter and captained the club on the pitch. As well as playing for Exeter, Taylor also played for: Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, Colchester United, Cheltenham Town, Newport County and Bath City.
Ground
St James Park
Capacity: 8,696
Record Attendance: 20,984 (vs Sunderland, FA Cup Sixth Round replay, 1931)
Opened: September 1904
Match Officials
The official in the middle for the game is Ollie Yates.
Yates last officiated an Latics game in March 2021 as we picked up a point against Southend United at Boundary Park. On that day, he handed out one yellow card and zero red cards.
He's taken charge of seven games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 23 yellow cards and zero red cards.
Yates will be assisted by Simon Shaw and Justin Amey, with Michael Begley as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
The bookmakers are predicting the Grecians hot run of form to continue as they have them priced as odds on favourites at 7/10.
Latics are considered outsiders at 18/5 whilst 13/5 is available for the draw.
Please gamble responsibly by clicking here. For more information visit: www.begambleaware.org
How To Follow The Game
Live match action on iFollow is available for £10 due to the international break, with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown on commentary.
For more information, visit the iFollow Latics page by clicking here.
UK based Latics supporters not attending in person will also be able to watch the game by purchasing a live streaming pass for £10.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC.
Live commentary of this match has not yet started.
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