Latics are back in Sky Bet League Two action this weekend as they take on Bradford City for the third time this season.
Harry Kewell’s men go into the game in good form but lost last time out against Sunderland in the Papa John's Trophy.
Form Guide
Bradford City come into this clash on the back of a difficult run of form and are without a win in seven games in all competitions.
This leaves them 23rd in the League Two table and seven points worse off than Latics.
The Bantams’ last six:
- Bradford City 0-1 Carlisle United
- Bradford City 1-0 Cheltenham Town
- Bradford City 1-2 Oldham Athletic (FA Cup)
- Leyton Orient 1-0 Bradford City
- Salford City 3-0 Bradford City
- Bradford City 2-2 Exeter City
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 114
Latics wins: 47
Bradford City: 34
Draws: 33
For - 171
Against - 142
Latics have already beaten Bradford twice this season in both the EFL Trophy and the FA Cup.
In the EFL Trophy, Davis Keillor-Dunn gave Oldham an early lead before the hosts equalised through a Will Sutton own goal but a late brace from Alfie McCalmont meant Latics finished their EFL Trophy group with a 100% record.
The second time Latics played at Valley Parade this season they had to come from behind to earn their place in the Third Round of the FA Cup. Clayton Donaldson had given the Bantams the lead from the spot before goals from Conor McAleny and Danny Rowe gave Oldham a deserved win.
The last time that Bradford came to Boundary Park ended in a win for Latics. First half goals from Zak Dearnley, Jonny Smith and Mohamad Maouche saw the hosts win 3-0.
Interesting Info
- The record at home to Bradford is P56 - W29 D14 L13 - For 97 Against 60
- Currently it's a good run of form against Bradford - with six wins in seven in all competitions.
- Bradford are in miserable form, having lost five on the bounce. But Scunthorpe had lost more when they arrived at Boundary Park a few weeks back before their victory and upturn in form.
- With nine straight away wins in matches involving Oldham (three home defeats, six away wins). This is the longest ever run in Latics history. The previous longest was in 1952, five straight matches, and that run was ended with a 2-0 home win against Bradford City.
- Oldham and Bradford have played each other in every division.
- 31 pairs of teams have played each other in all divisions - Div1, Div2, Div3, Div3N/S, Div4. The other one Latics are involved in is with Bury.
Team News
In terms of selection, Head Coach Harry Kewell has announced striker Zak Dearnley may be available for selection after a lengthy time out on the sidelines.
Harry Clarke also returns after being cup-tied in the week, but it looks like George Blackwood will still be out injured along with Andrea Badan and Kyle Jameson who are recovering well from hamstring tears.
A Foot In Both Camps
Current Barrow midfielder Chris Taylor has played for both Latics and Bradford.
The Oldham-born midfielder began his football career at Boundary Park and made over 250 appearances for the club in his first spell between 2005 and 2012 before leaving for Millwall.
Taylor would return to Oldham as a loanee in 2017 after enjoying spells with Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
The 33 year-old signed for Bradford in 2019 following a season spent with Blackpool. He spent just one season at Valley Parade and made 15 appearances for the club in all competitions.
In The Dugout
In the dugout for the visitors is Stuart McCall.
McCall is currently in his third permanent spell at Valley Parade and has also had a stint as caretaker manager with the club.
The 56 year-old spent the majority of his playing career with Bradford City two across two separate spells.
In addition, his playing career also saw him turn out for Everton, Rangers and Sheffield United as well as representing Scotland 40 times.
McCall has also taken charge of Motherwell, Rangers and Scunthorpe United in his managerial career.
Match Officials
The man in charge for the game tonight is Anthony Backhouse.
Officiating 14 games so far this season, he has handed out 42 yellow cards and a single red.
He last officiated a Latics game this season away at Salford City.
He will be assisted by Abbas Khan and Richard Wigglesworth, with Conor Brown as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Latics are 6/4 favourites to beat the Bantams for a third time this season, whilst Bradford are 13/8.
23/10 is the price available for the draw.
In both of the games played between the two sides this season Latics have won with both sides finding the back for the net for the same to happen this time Sky Bet have boosted the odds from 4/1 to 5/1.
Please gamble responsibly by clicking here. For more information visit: www.begambleaware.org
How To Follow The Game
Because the game is classed as behind-closed-doors, supporters can tune into a live match stream with commentary available for all subscribers on iFollow Latics, as Roy Butterworth and Mike Leyland talk you through the action.
This match is available as a live stream for the fee of £10 by clicking here.
In the current environment, there is a greater dependence on match streaming than ever before.
As a result iFollow generates one of the only revenue streams available to clubs through these financial challenges.
Piracy - and illegal streaming of matches - does not only carry the risk of potential criminal action, but also has a greater financial impact on clubs while supporters are unable to attend matches.
The EFL's campaign would like to not only convey the message that piracy is immoral and illegal, but that it is also financially damaging club's across the divisions.
For more information on the campaign and iFollow, click here.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC.
Oldham Athletic would like to make it clear that all fixtures are still strictly-behind-closed doors with spectators not being allowed entry.
Extensive guidelines are in place for the safety of officials and players whilst the events are taking place.
It is important you do not travel or attempt to visit Boundary Park on the day, especially with the new local restrictions in place.