Latics are looking to build on their impressive 4-1 thrashing of Crawley Town when they welcome Colchester United to Boundary Park for the Friday night fixture (7pm KO).
A brace from Conor McAleny, a goal from Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and a late strike from Dylan Bahamoula saw Oldham claim a thoroughly well-deserved 4-1 win over the Red Devils last time out.
Form Guide
Latics’ opponents come into the game on a horrible run of form with just one win to show for their last 24 outings.
Their current run without a win stretches nine games and they have failed to win since early March when they got the better of Carlisle United 2-1.
Lack of wins aside, the U’s haven’t been losing too regularly of late and five of their last seven games have ended level.
This poor run leaves Colchester with a serious chance of being relegated as they sit 22nd in the table, just five points ahead of the drop zone.
The U’s last six:
- Colchester United 1-1 Barrow
- Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Colchester United
- Colchester United 1-2 Bradford City
- Colchester United 2-2 Tranmere Rovers
- Colchester United 0-1 Port Vale
- Salford City 0-0 Colchester City
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 50
Latics wins: 15
Colchester wins: 14
Draws: 21
Last time the clubs met, it ended in a 3-3 draw with Latics showing great fight to come back and salvage a point.
The hosts had a 2-0 lead at the interval courtesy of goals from Ben Stevenson and Callum Harriott but a quick-fire double from Latics in the early stages of the second half saw them draw lever.
McAleny and Carl Piergianni were the men in the goals, but it looked like it was going to be for nothing when Miles Welch-Hayes popped up with a 65th minute to restore the U’s lead.
A late second for McAleny ensured that Latics didn’t leave Colchester empty handed.
The game also introduced Dylan Bahamboula to Oldham fans, and he had an immediate impact on proceedings as he showcased his abilities.
Team News
It looks like Zak Dearnley, George Blackwood and Marcus Barnes are still out of action for an extended period with injuries, but are all working hard on a return before the end of the season.
Whilst goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is out injured for what looks like the remainder of the campaign.
It is unclear whether Bobby Grant and Serhat Tasdemir are available for selection.
Watch Out For
Colchester’s top scorer this season Callum Harriott was on target for his side last time out and he will be hoping to get into double figures on Friday night.
Harriott was on target in the previous fixture between the two clubs, slotting away a penalty to double the U’s lead.
The Guyana winger began his career with Charlton Athletic and he made 95 appearances for the Addicks scoring 12 goals.
During his time with Charlton, Harriott was loaned to Colchester in August 2015 and he became a popular figure, scoring five goals in 20 games before going back to his parent club in January 2016.
In August 2016, Harriott joined Reading for an undisclosed fee but struggled to make a real impact at the Madejski Stadium and featured just 29 times in three seasons with club, registering four goals in the process.
So far this season, the winger has an impressive nine goals and five assists to his name, and he will surely be crucial in trying to keep the side in the division.
In The Dugout
Hayden Mullins is in interim charge of the U’s.
Mullins’ previous managerial experience comes with Watford where he was named interim manager on two occasions.
He also managed Watford’s under 23 side.
As a player, Mullins is mostly known for playing for Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Portsmouth but he also turned out for Reading, Birmingham City and Notts County.
The 42-year-old has been in temporary control since the 31st of March and has so far overseen two games, both ending in a draw.
Match Officials
The referee in charge is Martin Coy.
He has taken charge of 25 games in this campaign handing out 59 bookings and four red cards.
The last fixture he officiated involving Latics was in November 2020, in the 2-1 FA Cup victory against Bradford City at Valley Parade.
His assistants are Andrew Hendley and Matthew Parry with Billy Smallwood as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Latics are the bookmaker’s favourite for this clash and are 7/5 to make it back-to-back wins.
The U’s are 17/10 to pick up a valuable three points in their bid to stay in the division whilst the draw is priced at 12/5.
Conor McAleny scored twice in the reverse fixture and you can get odds of 13/8 for him finding the net or 4/1 if you think he will open the scoring.
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 Michael Brown 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 lockdown restrictions in place.