Latics take on Morecambe again as they look to make it back-to-back wins at Boundary Park this week.
Kewell’s side secured their place in the next round of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening after an impressive 2-0 win over League One side Doncaster Rovers.
However, Latics are still in search of their first league win of the season but can take confidence from the spirited comeback at Colchester last weekend.
On team news from the Head Coach, Alfie McCalmont is absent due to international duty with Northern Ireland U21, whilst Andrea Badan is injured from last weekend and will not be available for the game.
It is expected defender Kyle Jameson will be available for selection after a spell on the sidelines injured with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also a doubt after his knock at Colchester.
Kewell will have a full compliment of attackers to select from.
Form Guide
Morecambe have been the surprise package so far in League Two and as such currently occupy second place in the division with a goal difference of minus two.
They have won three out of their first four league encounters, the loss being a heavy 5-0 defeat to Cambridge.
In the other competitions they made it into the third round of the Carabao Cup at Oldham's expense to host Newcastle, but have already been knocked out of the EFL Trophy at the group stage phase after failing to register a point.
The Shrimps’ Last Six
- Morecambe 1-0 Port Vale
- Salford City 2-0 Morecambe (EFL Trophy)
- Southend United 1-2 Morecambe
- Morecambe 0-7 Newcastle United (Carabao Cup)
- Morecambe 0-5 Cambridge United
- Morecambe 1-0 Oldham Athletic (Carabao Cup)
Head-to-Head
Latics have won half of the six encounters between the clubs but it was the Shrimps that came out victorious when they met in the Carabao Cup last month.
An Aaron Wildig goal was enough to earn Morecambe a tie against Premier League opposition.
However, when the sides met in the league last season it was Latics who came out on top after doing the double over their opponents.
At Boundary Park, goals from Mohammed Maouche, Desire Segbe-Azankpo and Jonny Smith secured a 3-1 win.
Whilst in the reverse fixture, Segbe-Azankpo scored again alongside Mohamad Sylla to ensure three points in the 2-1 Boxing Day clash.
Watch Out For
Adam Phillips is the joint second highest scorer in the division with three goals in four games.
The loanee from Burnley has netted in all three of the Shrimps’ league victories and has been a big part of his side’s early season success.
This is Phillips’ second loan with the Shrimps. He initially arrived at the Globe Arena on loan from Burnley in January 2020 and he had an impressive impact before the season was finished early.
In his 11 league games with the club, he has chipped in with four goals and three assists and he has brought that form into this season and looks to be a key asset for his side.
A Foot In Both Camps
Lewis Alessandra began his career with Latics and has had two separate spells with Morecambe.
In his spell at Boundary Park, the 31-year old made 74 appearances and scored on eight occasions for Latics before joining Morecambe upon release.
He spent two seasons with the Shrimps between 2011 and 2013.
In between his spells at the Globe Arena, Alessandra played for Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, York City, Hartlepool United and Notts County.
His second spell with Morecambe began in July 2019 but he left in January 2020 to his current club, Carlisle United.
In The Dugout
In the visitor’s dugout is Derek Adams.
Adams took over the reins at the Globe Arena in November 2019 after the long-serving Jim Bentley departed the club for AFC Fylde.
He has also managed Ross County and Plymouth Argyle. At just 33 years-old, Adams did the impressive feat of leading Ross County to the Scottish Cup Final beating Celtic and Hibernian on the way.
Adams has led his side to a strong start to this season, but he did suffer his heaviest defeat of his managerial career when they lost 7-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
Match Officials
Referee - Joshua Smith
Assistant Referee 1 - Wade Smith
Assistant Referee 2 - James Wilson
Fourth Official - Nik Barnard
Sky Bet Odds
The bookies have made Latics favourite and the hosts are 6/5 to pick up their first maximum points of the season.
The visitors are 21/10 to complete an early season double whilst the draw is priced at 23/10.
Conor McAleny is the joint second top scorer in the division and he is 15/8 to net at any time in this match.
Please gamble responsibly, 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.
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.