Oldham v Crewe

Crewe make the short trip to Oldham for the first of two away matches in four days.

Vital Quotes:

They will head North looking for the first away win of the season, Oldham have endured a difficult start to the League One campaign but will be hoping to build upon a super 3-0 away win at bottom of the table Walsall last Saturday.

Oldham, like Crewe will be expecting to be in the promotion shake up come the end of the season. Leading goalscorer of last season Chris Porter has moved North of the border like Michael Higdon has. Craig Davies, Michael Ricketts and Lee Hughes have been brought in to bolster the Latics attacking options.

The experienced Sean Gregan continues to marshal the Oldham engine room, he has been joined by Birmingham City player Neil Kilkenny who arrived on a six month loan deal in August. They have also brought in defender Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea on a similar deal.

Oldham Athletic Team News:

After a fine away win last Saturday the Latics are unlikely to make any changes to a winning side. Michael Rickets will partner Craig Davies up front, Lee Hughes will be on the bench.

Player to watch: Craig Davies

A summer signing from Italian club Verona. Davies is a Welsh international and had a loan spell with Wolves last season. He has started the season well, scoring 3 goals in six appearances including the final goal in a 3-0 win at Walsall last weekend.

Crewe Alexandra Team News:

Danny O’Donnell is likely to return to the heart of the defence after recovering from injury, he will replace George Abbey.

Former Oldham player Julien Baudet will miss the game with a calf injury. Stuart Tomlinson and Nicky Maynard are also ruled out.

Likely Team: Ben Williams, Billy Jones, Danny Woodards, Danny O’Donnell, Chris McCready, Byron Moore, Steve Schumacher, Ben Rix, Gary Roberts, Ryan Lowe, Lee Barnard.

Player to watch: Ben Rix

Recalled to the team last Saturday in a new holding midfield role. The management team will be looking for him to spark Crewe in to life and get us moving forward.

Match Facts & Stats

Last Season:

Oldham 1-0 Crewe
Crewe 2-1 Oldham

Form Guide (Last Six)

Oldham – W-L-L-L-L-W = 6PTS
Crewe – D-L-W-D-L-D = 6PTS

Betting:

Oldham – 10/11
Draw – 9/4
Crewe – 13/5

Ref Watch:

The football league have named the officials for Saturday’s fixture at Oldham Athletic. The referee is Mr Anthony Taylor of Greater Manchester.

This is Mr Taylor’s 2nd season officiating in the football league and will be the first time that he has been in charge of a match involving Crewe.

He has been in charge of 6 games this season and issued 20 yellows and no red cards. He handed out 10 of the 20 yellows in the match between Leicester and Watford at the end of August.

His assistants for the match will be P.Tierney and J.Waugh, The fourth official will be P.Norris.

Match Prediction:

Oldham 1-0 Crewe

Next Fixtures:

Tuesday 2nd October

Crewe – Tranmere (a)
Oldham – Leeds (h)