We set out on the road for our first away game of the 2016/17 season as we face an Oldham side who are favourites for the drop this season.
Oldham were trounced 3-0 against Millwall on the opening day but gained some respect when they knocked Wigan out of the League Cup this week.
Vital Quotes:
Will appear here later….
Oldham Team News:
Oldham head into their clash with Walsall with no new injury concerns.Full-back Ryan McLaughlin could be in line for a debut having joined on a free transfer recently following his release by Liverpool.After his late winner against Wigan in the EFL Cup in midweek, Ryan Flynn will be hoping to continue his impressive form at the weekend.
Player to watch: Ryan Flynn
Flynn opened his Oldham account during their League Cup victory over Wigan. Flynn has played for Liverpool, Falkirk and Sheffield United during his career.
Walsall Team News:
Walsall boss Jon Whitney is sweating on the fitness of Adam Chambers who suffered injury during our League Cup defeat to Yeovil.
If Chambers is passed fit then Whitney will probably start with the same team which defeat AFC Wimbledon last weekend.
Player to watch: Simeon Jackson
The former Norwich striker scored two goals on Saturday putting him top of the League 1 goalscorers charts at an early stage.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time both clubs met and Boundary Park, a Curtis Main goal was enough for the Latics.
Walsall have lost three out their last four visits to Oldham – with our only victory coming on our opening away game against them in 2013 where James Baxendale scored the winner.
We have faced Oldham fifty four times in our history – Oldham 21, Walsall 21, Draw 12.
Ref Watch:
The match officials for the game are as follows
REFEREE – DAVID WEBB
Linesmen – Graeme Fyvie and Ian Dudley
Fourth Official Natalie Aspinall
Last season, Mr David Webb (Lancashire) handed out eighty nine yellow cards six red cards and awarded four penalties.
Webb has officiated twelve games involving the Saddlers – he has sent off two Walsall players during that time (Matt Sadler and Mark Hughes) – he has also awarded four penalties against the Saddlers without awarding one.
Match Prediction:
Given the sorry state of affairs at Oldham and given our comprehensive win against Wimbledon many would fancy us to win.
However I remain cautious and will go 1-1 with goal from Oztumer.
Next Fixtures:
16.08.16 – Chesterfield v WALSALL
16.08.16 – Oldham v Northampton
