Latics travel to Essex to take on Colchester United as they look to maintain their current good run of form (3pm KO).
John Sheridan’s men beat Bradford City 2-0 last time out at Boundary Park.
Hallam Hope and Davis Keillor-Dunn’s first-half goals saw them in a comfortable position and a second-half dismissal for City’s Paudie O’Connor helped see out the victory.
Form Guide
Colchester United have been dragged into a bit of a relegation battle of late and defeat to Latics will see them drop below their opposition.
With just one point from their previous four outings, United will be well aware of their need for victory.
They went a goal up last time out against Hartlepool United, but two goal in quick succession for Pool turned the game on its head sending all three points back to the North East.
Similarly, they also squandered a winning position in a recent game against fellow strugglers Carlisle United.
They led 2-1 until an 86th minute leveller for the Cumbrians saw the points shared.
Elsewhere, they are out of all other competitions and have a sole focus on Sky Bet League Two.
The U’s Last Six Games:
- Colchester United 1-2 Hartlepool United
- Northampton Town 3-0 Hartlepool United
- Colchester United 2-2 Carlisle United
- Mansfield Town 2-1 Colchester United
- Leyton Orient 0-1 Colchester United
- Colchester United 1-1 Rochdale
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 52
Latics wins: 16
Colchester United wins: 15
Draws: 21
When the two sides met at Boundary Park in August, it was the U’s that were victorious.
Goals from Freddie Sears and Noah Chilvers inside the first 12 minutes left Latics with an uphill battle that they were unable to climb.
Dylan Bahamboula did score in the 73rd minute to give them a glimmer of hope, but unfortunately, it proved to be just a consolation strike.
However, the time before that it was much more of a positive outcome for Oldham.
Goals from Conor McAleny, Alfie McCalmont, Carl Piergianni and a Keillor-Dunn brace helped them to a 5-2 win over their Essex opponents.
Watch Out For
Freddie Sears is the man most likely to be a danger to Latics.
Former West Ham United man, Sears played over 50 times for the Hammers whilst also having time out on loan with Crystal Palace, Coventry City and Scunthorpe United.
Following that, he had a loan spell with current club Colchester United and he then later joined on a permanent deal.
Leaving the U’s in 2015, he then joined Ipswich Town where he had a successful time making over 200 appearances for the Tractor Boys.
He rejoined United this summer and has had a good season so far, netting 13 times in all competitions.
In The Dugout
Wayne Brown is the man in the dugout for the hosts.
Brown is currently embarking on his third spell as interim/caretaker boss of the U’s following the departure of Hayden Mullins.
As a player, Brown also represented Colchester on two separate loan spells.
The 44-year-old has managed youth sides at United as well as non-league side Maldon and Tiptree.
Stadium
JobServe Community Stadium
Opened: 2008
Capacity: 10,105
Record Attendance: 10,064 (vs Norwich City, January 2010)
Match Officials
The official in the middle for the game is Andy Haines.
Haines last officiated a Latics game in December 2021 for our 0-1 defeat against Tranmere Rovers at Boundary Park. On that day, he handed out zero yellow cards and zero red cards.
He's taken charge of 25 games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 67 yellow cards and one red card.
Haines will be assisted by Leigh Crowhurst and Stephen Finch, with Andrew Aylott as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Despite Oldham’s recent good run of form, they again find themselves outsiders with the bookmakers for this clash.
The U’s are 23/20 to take a big three points in the race to stay in the football league whilst Latics are 23/10 to win and leapfrog Colchester in the process.
11/5 is the price available for the draw.
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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.