Latics continue what has been a promising Papa John’s Trophy campaign as they now welcome Sunderland to Boundary Park in the first knockout stage.
Last time out, Oldham returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-1 win away at Cambridge United with Conor McAleny and Alfie McCalmont on the score sheet.
Form Guide
Sunderland are currently enduring a poor run of form that has seen them drop out of the play-off spots in Sky Bet League One and move into ninth.
They have gone seven in a row without winning in all competitions, five of which came in the third flight of English football.
Last time out, Sunderland fell to a 1-0 defeat to relegation strugglers Wigan Athletic which gave them their first win after 13 failed attempts.
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 43
Latics wins: 13
Sunderland wins: 16
Draws: 14
Scored - 57
Conceded - 70
The last meeting was back in March 1996 with Sunderland coming on top with a 1-0 win on Wearside.
Latics were last victorious against Sunderland was way back on the 5th of May 1990.
Interesting Info
- The highest scoring match was Oldham 4-5 Sunderland in 1915.
- They're have been six goalless draws between the teams including both matches in 1994-1995 season. Only one of those goalless draws was at Sunderland.
- Oldham’s biggest win 3-0, has been achieved four times (three at home, 1912, 1921, 1979) and once away (1985).
- 1-1 is most likely scoreline with a 13% chance. But only there have only been five 1-1s in history (3H 3A, 1913, 1921, 1976, 1978, 1986).
- Both teams have won six matches this season.
- Oldham’s league matches this season have featured 52 goals (3.25 goals per game). Sunderland’s just 31 (2.1 goals/game).
- Oldham’s total matches this season have featured 74 goals (3.2 goals per game), Sunderland’s 52 (2.6 goals/game).
Team News
In terms of selection, Head Coach Harry Kewell has Harry Clarke missing due to him being cup-tied in this competition after playing for Arsenal U21 in the group stage.
Zak Dearnley and George Blackwood are close to a return.
Whilst Andrea Badan and Kyle Jameson are still recovering from hamstring injuries.
Papa John's Trophy So Far
Tonight's game will be played to a conclusion, with penalties to decide the winner if needed after 90 minutes.
Sunderland gained qualificaton for the knockout stages of the competition with a second place finish in their group containing Fleetwood Town, Carlisle United and Aston Villa Under 21s.
They demolished the young Villa side 8-1, beat Carlisle 5-3 before losing 2-1 to Joey Barton’s Fleetwood in the final group game.
On the other hand, Oldham come into the tie with a 100% record in the competition after beating Wolves Under 21s, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City.
The Black Cats’ last six:
- Sunderland 0-1 Wigan Athletic
- Sunderland 1-1 Burton Albion
- Fleetwood Town 1-1 Sunderland
- Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 1-2 MK Dons
- Fleetwood Town 2-1 Sunderland (EFL Trophy)
Watch Out For
Charlie Wyke is Sunderland’s top scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions and is expected to a make a return to the Black Cats this evening after injury.
Wyke has enjoyed playing in the Papa Johns Trophy this season and boasts a record of three goals in two games in the competition.
The Teesside born forward began his career with his local club Middlesbrough but he struggled to make an impact at the Riverside and had loan spells with Kettering Town, Hartlepool United and AFC Wimbledon before departing on a permanent basis to join Carlisle United.
Whilst with the Cumbrians, Wyke boasted a good goalscoring record of 38 goals in 89 games and he kept up his good form at Bradford City.
He netted 23 times in 62 matches for the Bantams before leaving for the Stadium of Light in 2018.
The 28 year-old has 19 goals to his name from 78 outings as a Sunderland player.
Familiar Face & In The Dugout
Latics fans will recognise the Black Cats’ new manager.
Lee Johnson began his management career at Boundary Park. He was appointed manager in March 2013 at the age of just 31, which made him the youngest boss in the Football League.
Johnson enjoyed a fairly successful spell with Latics before leaving for Barnsley in February 2015.
Similarly, he had success with Barnsley next and after leaving Oakwell, managed to help Bristol City consolidate themselves in the Championship.
The 39 year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light at the weekend following the dismissal of former boss Phil Parkinson.
Match Officials
The man in charge for the game tonight is Samuel Barrott.
Officiating 12 games so far this season, he has handed out 27 yellow cards and a single red.
Promoted from the National League last campaign he is yet to referee a competitive fixture for either Oldham or Sunderland.
He will be assisted by Ravel Cheosiaua and Oliver Bickle, with Steven Copeland as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
League One Sunderland have been made the odds-on favourites at 5/6 to get their first win in seven games and Latics are 13/5 to keep their 100% record and book their place in the next round.
It is 12/5 for the game to be level after 90 minutes.
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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.