Of course all matches are important. But some matches have that extra significance that makes winning essential.
This match is one of those matches. Brian Talbot has been able to add some new midfielders to a small squad that had midfielders Mark Bonner, John Eyre, Kevin Betsy and Matty Appleby out through injury. Only Danny Boshell and David Eyres are members of the 18-man squad that have a contract at Latics until the end of the season. Indeed, Talbot has spent so much time finding new midfielders he has not bothered to find goalkeeping cover for Bertrand Bossu. Bertrand was recalled by Gillingham from his loan spell at Latics because of their injury problems. Charlie Treacy has been drafted into the squad instead.
The match is so essential, however, because of Oldham's opposition. Barnsley are 17th in League One, only two points clear of Oldham. As Athletic play Bradford, Chesterfield and Huddersfield in their next three League games, sides all in the top half, it is vital that the new signings gel immediately and get another win under their belts.
Barnsley have their top scorer, Barry Conlon, out with a groin injury. However, Neil Austin and Tom Williams are expected to be back despite their injury worries.
My prediction for the game on Beat the Manager is Oldham 1-0 Barnsley (but once again, no copying!). The game will go ahead despite snow around Oldham, especially Saddleworth, where the A672 and the A635 were closed because of the snow. The frost covers on Boundary Park have done their job and ensured that Oldham will indeed play Barnsley there at 3pm.
The Latics squad is:
Pogliacomi
Holden
Beherall
Haining
Danny Hall
Griffin
Croft
Lee
Hughes
Boshell
Kilkenny
Eyres
Vernon
Killen
Wilbraham
Treacy
Tierney
Chris Hall
This match is one of those matches. Brian Talbot has been able to add some new midfielders to a small squad that had midfielders Mark Bonner, John Eyre, Kevin Betsy and Matty Appleby out through injury. Only Danny Boshell and David Eyres are members of the 18-man squad that have a contract at Latics until the end of the season. Indeed, Talbot has spent so much time finding new midfielders he has not bothered to find goalkeeping cover for Bertrand Bossu. Bertrand was recalled by Gillingham from his loan spell at Latics because of their injury problems. Charlie Treacy has been drafted into the squad instead.
The match is so essential, however, because of Oldham's opposition. Barnsley are 17th in League One, only two points clear of Oldham. As Athletic play Bradford, Chesterfield and Huddersfield in their next three League games, sides all in the top half, it is vital that the new signings gel immediately and get another win under their belts.
Barnsley have their top scorer, Barry Conlon, out with a groin injury. However, Neil Austin and Tom Williams are expected to be back despite their injury worries.
My prediction for the game on Beat the Manager is Oldham 1-0 Barnsley (but once again, no copying!). The game will go ahead despite snow around Oldham, especially Saddleworth, where the A672 and the A635 were closed because of the snow. The frost covers on Boundary Park have done their job and ensured that Oldham will indeed play Barnsley there at 3pm.
The Latics squad is:
Pogliacomi
Holden
Beherall
Haining
Danny Hall
Griffin
Croft
Lee
Hughes
Boshell
Kilkenny
Eyres
Vernon
Killen
Wilbraham
Treacy
Tierney
Chris Hall