Latics are back in Sky Bet League Two action with another trip down South as they take on Crawley Town tonight (7:45pm KO).
Despite maintaining an unbeaten run since the arrival of John Sheridan in the 1-1 draw against Colchester United, Latics have slipped back into the bottom two and this game represents a chance to move back out of the relegation places.
The points were shared in Essex after Davis Keillor-Dunn had opened the scoring in the first half, but Oldham were unable to hold on and an own goal early on in the second 45 completed the scoring.
Form Guide
Like Oldham, Crawley come into this tie on a good run of form. With just one defeat from their previous six outings, it will be a tough game for Sheridan’s men.
Their form is highlighted by their impressive victory last time out. Runaway leaders Forest Green Rovers travelled to Crawley but left empty handed following a 2-1 defeat.
The only loss in that sequence came against Hartlepool United, who happen to be one of the form sides in the division at present.
Despite their recent good fortunes, Latics fans can take comfort in their opposition’s home form.
Other than the aforementioned success over Forest Green, their previous win at home came back on New Year’s Day when Colchester United were dispatched 3-1.
The Red Devils’ Last Six:
- Crawley Town 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
- Crawley Town 0-1 Hartlepool United
- Harrogate Town 1-3 Crawley Town
- Crawley Town 2-2 Stevenage
- Swindon Town 1-1 Crawley Town
- Bradford City 1-2 Crawley Town
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 12
Latics wins: 6
Crawley Town wins: 4
Draws: 2
Scored - 18
Conceded - 15
This is the first time this season that the two clubs will go up against each other, with the second time due to happen on the last day of the season.
The last time that the sides did face off against each other was on the 5th of April last year at the Broadfield Stadium.
It turned out to be a very good day for Latics as they eased to a comfortable 4-1 victory.
Goals just before the break from Conor McAleny and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson put them in the ascendency and a second for McAleny less than two minutes into the second half put the game to bed.
Both teams scored a goal late on to alter the scoreline, Dylan Bahamboula supplying Oldham’s fourth.
Watch Out For
Tom Nichols is likely to be a threat for the Reds.
With eight goals and three assists to his name in the league for his club this term, the 28-year old forward has been directly involved in 28% of their goals.
His form has been decent of late, with the striker netting in both of the previous two games that he has started for Crawley.
He scored in the 3-1 win over Harrogate as well as netting both of Crawley’s goals in the 2-2 draw with Stevenage.
Nichols initially made a name for himself at Exeter City, where he was helped along the way with a number of useful loan moves.
His form for the Grecians won him a move to Peterborough United. He enjoyed some success with Posh, including scoring a goal against Premier League side Chelsea in the FA Cup.
July 2017 saw him again on the move to Bristol Rovers in a move that didn’t quite go to plan for him and he joined current club in September 2020 on a free transfer.
A great first season with the club not only saw him rewarded with a one year extension to his contract but it also saw him take home the club’s Player of The Year award.
In The Dugout
John Yems is the man in the dugout for the hosts.
The straight talking boss got his first job in football management at non-league outfit Horsham.
He first came to Crawley Town back in 2006 as a joint caretaker manager. His other experience includes the assistant manager posting at Exeter City.
After time spent as a scout for a number of clubs, including Newcastle United, Yems took the manager’s job with the Red Devils in December 2019.
Stadium
The People's Pension Stadium
Opened: 1997
Capacity: 6,134
Record Attendance: 5,880 (vs. Reading, January 2013)
Match Officials
The official in the middle for the game is Alan Young.
Young last officiated a Latics game in April 2021 for our 1-2 defeat against Grimsby Town at Boundary Park. On that day, he handed out four yellow cards and zero red cards.
He's taken charge of 15 games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 67 yellow cards and three red cards.
Young will be assisted by Geoffrey Russell and Grant Taylor, with Damith Bandara as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Crawley Town have been made 21/20 favourites to take maximum points when the sides meet.
Latics are out at 12/5 as they look to keep up their good run of form under Sheridan.
A second successive draw away from home for Oldham is also at 12/5.
Please gamble responsibly by clicking here. For more information visit: www.begambleaware.org
How To Follow The Game
Live match action on the £10 'match pass' is available on iFollow Latics in the UK and overseas for supporters who can't attend in person, with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown talking you through the match action.
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.