With the 2014/15 fixtures now released, we take a closer look at the teams Latics will be facing.
Milton Keynes Dons
Founded:
MK Dons were founded in 2004 as a result of Wimbledon FC’s relocation to Milton Keynes from South London in 2003.
Nickname:
The Dons
Background:
MK Dons, being in law the same business as the former Wimbledon FC, have contested their football in the Football League since their creation. They were relegated to League Two in 2006 but returned to League One in 2008 and have remained in the league ever since.
Past Meetings:
Of the 16 games contested between the sides since 2004, Oldham have won six games. MK Dons have won seven whilst three have ended as a draw. Of the most recent games between the sides, MK Dons won both fixtures 2-1 in February 2014.
Recent Signings:
MK Dons signed Danny Green from Charlton on a free transfer following his release at the end of the 2013/14 season.
Player of the Year:
Ben Reeves was awarded the Player of the Year award for the 2013/14 season.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 14/1
To be promoted - 9/2
To be relegated - 12/1
Notts County
Founded:
Notts County were founded in 1862 and are the oldest professional league club in the world. County pre-dated the FA and initially played their own form of the game. In 1888, County became founding members of The Football League.
Nickname:
The Magpies
Background:
County have been in League One for four consecutive years and only narrowly avoided relegation to League Two last season securing safety with a 1-1 draw against Latics on the final day of the season.
Past Meetings:
Of the 87 matches played between the two sides, Oldham have won on 33 occasions, whereas County have won 35. 19 of the games have finished in draws – including the most recent on the final day of the 2013/14 season. The two other games that season finished 3-2 to Notts County in the reverse league fixture at Meadow Lane and 5-1 to Oldham in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Boundary Park.
Recent Signings:
County have made 4 acquisitions so far this transfer window. Taylor McKenzie, Hayden Mullins, Liam Noble and Alan Smith have all joined County's ranks.
Player of the Year:
Former Latics loanee Alan Sheehan was voted as Player of the Year for Notts County.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 40/1
To be promoted - 14/1
To be relegated - 5/2
Peterborough United
Founded:
Peterborough United were founded in 1934 at Peterborough’s Angel Hotel and played in the Midlands League until being electing to the Football League in 1960.
Nickname:
The Posh
Background:
Peterborough were relegated to League One in 2013 after promotion to the Championship in 2011. Peterborough finished the season in sixth position but were defeated in the play-off semi-final against Leyton Orient.
Past Meetings:
Of the 34 previous meetings between the two sides, Oldham have claimed victory in 11 of them, with Peterborough winning 13. Ten games have finished all square but this has not occurred since 2008. Last season, Peterborough beat Oldham 2-1 at London Road before Latics reigned victorious in the 5-4 thriller at Boundary Park.
Recent Signings:
So far this pre-season, Peterborough have signed Jon Taylor from Shrewsbury for an undisclosed fee. Erhun Oztumer has also joined the club from non-league Dulwich Hamlet.
Player of the Year:
Britt Assombalonga won the Player of the Year award in his first season at the club.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 9/1
To be promoted - 5/2
To be relegated - 33/1
Port Vale
Founded:
Historian Jeff Kent believes that Vale were probably formed in 1879, whilst the club website depicts that Port Vale were formed at Port Vale House in 1876. They were founder members of the Second Division in 1892 but resigned from the league in 1907 amid financial difficulties – before a return in 1919.
Nickname:
The Valiants
Background:
Port Vale were promoted to League One in 2013 after finishing 3rd in League Two to gain automatic promotion under Micky Adams. The club enjoyed a relatively successful return to League One and eventually finished ninth.
Past Meetings:
The clubs have previously met competitively on 70 occasions. Of these 70 games, Vale have won 31, with Latics winning 26 and just 13 finishing all square. Of the two games last season, Latics beat Vale 3-1 at Boundary Park but lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Vale Park.
Recent Signings:
Port Vale’s only signing of pre-season so far has been Colin Daniel from Mansfield Town.
Player of the Year:
Port Vale’s player of the year was won by Tom Pope for the second consecutive season.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 66/1
To be promoted - 25/1
To be relegated - 13/8