Latics take on Port Vale away from home as they look to make it three wins on the bounce in Sky Bet League Two (3pm KO).
Last time out, a 1-0 win over Stevenage saw John Sheridan’s men claim a huge three points and they will be looking to put further distance between themselves and the drop zone this time around.
A headed effort from Jamie Hopcutt in the first-half was enough to secure the victory.
Form Guide
This will be a very tough game for Latics, given the impressive form that their opponents find themselves in.
Without a defeat in the past seven, Vale have emerged as serious contenders for automatic promotion.
Six of those games have been wins, helping them climb the table.
Furthermore, they have been exceptionally well organised at the back having shipped just one goal from their previous four outings.
Currently in 3rd place, Port Vale are three points above 4th place having played the same number of goals.
The Valiants’ Last Six:
- Salford 0-1 Port Vale
- Barrow 1-2 Port Vale
- Port Vale 2-0 Sutton United
- Port Vale 0-0 Exeter City
- Bradford City 1-2 Port Vale
- Port Vale 3-1 Mansfield Town
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 84
Latics wins: 30
Port Vale wins: 33
Draws: 21
Scored - 114
Conceded - 102
Latics have lost just one of their previous five meetings with Vale, a game that came in October 2020.
Earlier in the season, Latics triumphed in a dramatic 3-2 win over Vale with a 93rd minute own goal securing the points with Oldham’s other goals scored by Davis Keillor-Dunn and Sam Hart.
Watch Out For
James Wilson is a man capable of causing Latics’ backline some problems when the two sides meet.
Coming through the youth system at Manchester United, Wilson was tipped to go on to achieve great things in the game.
Whilst contracted to the Red Devils, Wilson made 20 appearances and scored four times whilst also enjoying loan spells with Brighton and Hove Albion, Derby County, Sheffield United and Aberdeen.
It was the latter club that became his second permanent club but he struggled to have an impact north of the border and ended up at Salford City in January 2020.
He joined his current club Vale in June 2021 and to date, he has 11 goals in 38 appearances.
The 26-year-old also boasts an international pedigree with caps at England youth level at under 16,19,20 and 21 level.
Familiar Face
Ben Garrity spent last season on loan at Boundary Park.
The 25-year-old midfielder played 39 times for Latics during his temporary spell with the club and he scored four goals during that time.
He was on loan from Blackpool, where he never made an appearance.
After signing for the Valiants in June 2021, Garrity appears to have really kicked on.
He was nominated for September’s player of the month award and he has an impressive 11 goals to date across all competitions.
In The Dugout
Darrell Clarke is the man in the dugout for the hosts.
The 44-year-old boss has been in charge since February 2021 after Port Vale managed to agree on a compensation package with his former club Walsall.
He has enjoyed a successful time with Vale so far and will be hoping to add promotion to his CV this season.
Elsewhere he has managed Salisbury City and Bristol Rovers.
Stadium
Vale Park
Opened: 1950
Capacity: 20,552
Record Attendance: 49,768 (vs. Aston Villa, February 1960)
Match Officials
The official in the middle for the game is Will Finnie.
Toner last officiated a Latics game in September 2021 for our 1-0 derby win away at Rochdale. On that day, he handed out two yellow cards and zero red cards.
He's taken charge of 31 games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 66 yellow cards and four red cards.
Toner will be assisted by Daniel Flynn and Grant Taylor with Mark Cunliffe as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Promotion contenders Port Vale are ½ favourites to take all three points.
Latics are 11/2 to make it three wins on the bounce and the draw is at 29/10.
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How To Follow The Game
Live commentary is available on iFollow Latics with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown who will be talking you through the match action.
Unfortunately, an iFollow match pass stream isn't available in the UK due to the 3pm blackout from broadcasters.
For more information, visit the iFollow Latics page by clicking here.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC.