Preview: Oldham Athletic vs. Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Oldham Athletic know that they will be playing their football in the National League next season, but before they drop down to the fifth tier, they will welcome Crawley Town to Boundary Park for a League Two contest on Saturday.

The hosts have lost their last five matches, while Crawley enter the encounter off the back of three consecutive defeats.

Match preview

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A 2-1 defeat to Salford on April 23 confirmed that for the first time in their history Oldham would drop out of the football league.

They followed that result with another defeat last weekend as Tranmere picked up a 2-0 victory over the Latics thanks to a goal apiece for Josh Hawkes and Kane Hemmings.

That result represented a fifth consecutive defeat, highlighting the poor form that has consigned them to the bottom two.

Although there is not much to play for, the hosts will be wanting to end the season with a win before they prepare for at least a season in the fifth tier of English football.

Hopes of a victory may be slim though, as Oldham have lost more home matches this season than any other side in League Two.

Unlike their hosts, Crawley occupy a much more comfortable position in the league table, with the Reds currently sat in 12th place.

Despite experiencing a steady season, the Reds have lost their last three matches, which has coincided with the suspension of their manager John Yems.

Crawley announced on April 23 that they had suspended the 62-year-old due to allegations of discriminatory language and behaviour.

The Reds will be hoping to end the season with a victory, and three points on Saturday would also secure a top-half finish.

Although they will face an Oldham side who are already relegated, Crawley's away form does not offer much cause for optimism, with five of their last six away games ending in defeat.

Team News

Jayson Leutwiler started in goal for Oldham last weekend, and with first-choice goalkeeper Danny Rogers still expected to miss out through injury, Leutwiler will keep his place in the side.

Will Sutton is also set to retain his spot after coming into the side to partner Kyle Jameson in the centre of defence against Tranmere.

Meanwhile, John Sheridan could make a couple of changes to the starting lineup, with Callum Whelan and Hallam Hope expected to come into the side for Saturday's contest.

As for the visitors, Nicholas Tsaroulla and Kwesi Appiah are both expected to miss out due to injury issues.

James Tilley will keep his place at right wing-back after returning to the side against Leyton Orient following a one-match suspension.

Tom Nichols will be looking to add to the 10 league goals that he has scored this season when he partners Ashley Nadesan in the front two.

Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:

Leutwiler; Clarke, Jameson, Sutton, Hart; Missilou, Whelan; Keillor-Dunn, Hope, Stobbs; Luamba

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:

Morris; Davies, Francillette, Craig; Tilley, Francomb, Hutchinson, Hessenthaler, Ferry; Nadsean, Nichols

We say: Oldham Athletic 1-1 Crawley Town

With not much riding on the game for either side, Saturday's contest may lack the desired intensity, and we think that could result in the sides playing out a draw at the weekend.