Tonight, Walsall travel to Oldham looking to follow up two good results with another positive performance, and three points. It won’t be an easy match as tonight’s hosts seem to have turned a corner in the league this season.
Oldham Athletic
It has been a difficult season off the pitch so far for Oldham, who have seen the owner and fans clash. This spilt onto the pitch, with the Latics losing six of their first seven games. Since an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Leyton Orient, things have started to improve. Oldham have picked up eight points in their last five games, with only one loss which came against high-flying Harrogate Town.
One key player for Oldham has been Dylan Bahamboula, who has been responsible for proving some of the creative spark in the team. Bahamboula, along with Davis Keillor-Dunn, have been the goal scoring outlet in the team. The pair have scored six of the teams nine league goals, and will need to be contained if the Saddlers wish to keep another clean sheet.
Defensively, the experience of Carl Piergianni is key to the Latics defence. He has played more league minutes than any other player and can be a danger in both boxes. Walsall will have to battle with Piergianni’s strength and commanding presence, especially when defending corners, something that has not been done well too often this season.
Walsall
Walsall enter the game following a point and clean sheet at Leyton Orient. It was a good, solid performance from the team in East London, where they limited a dangerous attack to very little. That level of performance must be repeated against Oldham if they want to start putting together a run of results.
The attacking options have been bolstered by Otis Khan, who may make the bench. This now gives Matt Taylor strength and depth in the team, something that will keep the opposition guessing. Khan, Tyrece Shade and Conor Wilkinson will all be looking at nailing down a starting role, which will add competition and something to be wary of for those in the first XI.
Defensively, Monte and Menayese have started forming a strong pairing together. With Hayden White also looking strong, and Rushworth in goal, leaky defence looks like it may be tightening up. Against Salford and Orient, the team looked stronger, and have begun reducing the number of chances and goals being conceded.
These players do now need to start helping in the other box. Both Monthe and Menayese are tall and strong, however goals from corners have been at a premium. Adding one or two over the next few weeks would help Walsall creep up the table, and boost confidence further.
