Oldham Athletic host Torquay United at Boundary Park in the National League on Sunday afternoon.
It is a battle between two teams looking to escape the relegation zone, with the home side commencing proceedings in 23rd place, while the visitors are two places higher, in 21st.
Match preview
After dropping out of the EFL for the first time in 115 years following a disappointing League Two campaign last season, it has been much of the same in the fifth tier for Oldham, who are struggling considerably to get to grips with their new division.
As we approach the halfway stage of the season, the Latics have acquired just 17 points from 20 league outings, leaving them unable to escape the relegation zone, even with a win on Sunday.
John Sheridan agreed to part ways with the club after a 3-0 loss at Woking in mid-September, although given his service, he was given one last home game as a send-off, which his side won 3-2 against Eastleigh at Boundary Park.
The Oldham hierarchy deemed that form was not up to scratch under Sheridan, but since the appointment of David Unsworth, it has spiralled considerably, as the former Everton coach has won just two of his 14 matches in charge, with one of these being on penalties in an FA Cup replay against Chester.
Last time out, the Latics put in another subpar performance in a trip to Boreham Wood, losing in disappointing fashion, with Lee Ndlovu netting his second goal in the 94th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for the hosts, after Ben Tollitt had initially levelled up the scores.
Despite a poor start to the season, Torquay have decided to stick by manager Gary Johnson, who led them to the 2020-21 playoff final, amid a slight uptick in form in recent weeks.
After picking up four points from their first two games, including a 0-0 draw against Sunday's opponents Oldham, the Gulls won just one of their next 14 matches in all competitions, leaving them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.
A 6-1 victory against Aldershot Town was followed up by a 2-2 draw against Derby County in the FA Cup, which seemingly bought the manager more time, although they did then go on to lose their next three games, including a 5-1 battering at home to Chesterfield.
If there is one slight positive for Torquay to take from their season so far then it is their away form, which is not all that bad when compared to their form at Plainmoor, and last weekend they defeated Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 on their travels.
Will Goodwin scored the only goal of the game just before half time to seal an important three points, with the Gulls picking up their first clean sheet since their second game of the season, which should give them confidence heading into Sunday's trip to the North West.
Team News
Oldham centre-back Harrison McGahey has been ruled out for at least a couple of months following surgery on a back injury, so Peter Clarke and Liam Hogan should continue at the heart of defence.
John Rooney may be preferred to Dan Gardner in the centre of midfield, having been brought on in his place time out, while also scoring against Solihull Moors in the match prior.
Ben Tollitt has six league goals to his name this season and is likely to continue on the wing, playing provider for Alex Reid, who has scored seven.
As for Torquay, Will Goodwin provided the goal scoring threat last time out, and may partner Dillon De Silva in attack, who has scored three in his last six.
Dan Martin and Ben Wyatt are long-term absentees and will continue to miss out for the Gulls, with Dean Moxey expected to slot in at left-back in their absence.
Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:
Norman; Hogan, Kitching, Clarke, Sheron; Tollitt, Chapman, Peck, Rooney; Hope, Reid
Torquay United possible starting lineup:
Halstead; Donnellan, Tomlinson, Ellis, Moxey; Hanson, Evans, Hall, Wearne; De Silva, Goodwin
We say: Oldham Athletic 1-1 Torquay United
There is not too much separating the teams in the league standings, so we expect them to play out a score draw on Sunday. Torquay have been in better recent form, and may have a slight edge, but with the game being at Boundary Park, Oldham should be able to do enough to get a point.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
