Oldham look to end their five-match winless run when they welcome struggling Shrewsbury Town. The EFL League Two clash kicks off at 3.00 pm on October 25, writes Lanz Sievert.
The Latics are in desperate need of three points after their season has spiraled alarmingly since that promising September.
The Latics’ 1-0 defeat at Salford last weekend extended their winless streak to five matches, a run that has seen them drop to 16th in the table and raised serious questions about their promotion credentials.
The loss of captain Tom Conlon to a season-ending cruciate ligament injury continues to haunt Oldham, with the midfielder’s absence keenly felt in every match since.
READ MORE: Season over for Conlon as Oldham face uphill battle without their captain
Compounding Mellon’s problems is the suspension of Will Sutton following his red card at Salford. The academy graduate was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
With Donervon Daniels also recovering from a knee issue, Oldham’s defensive options are stretched thin at the worst possible time.
However, Saturday’s fixture presents an opportunity to get back to winning ways against opposition who are themselves struggling.
Shrewsbury sit 22nd in the League Two table with just 12 points from 13 matches, having endured a difficult campaign following relegation from League One.
The Shrews have won only three times this season, drawing three and losing seven.
Paul Appleton’s side are particularly vulnerable away from home, where they’ve struggled to impose themselves. This should give Oldham hope, despite their own home form leaving much to be desired, with just one league win at Boundary Park all season.
Shrewsbury will be very familiar with the Latics’ manager, as he was the very same man who led them to promotion a decade ago.
The Latics must rediscover the defensive solidity that served them so well in September. Conceding just five goals in nine matches.
READ MORE: Oldham Athletic’s impressive defensive record in League Two
Shrewsbury, meanwhile, are desperate for any point they can take away to claw their way out of the relegation spots.
Saturday’s match is a must-win for Oldham. Failure to beat one of the division’s struggling sides would intensify the pressure on Mellon. The fans will expect, and demand, a response after five matches without victory.
READ MORE: Oldham Athletic’s Tough Loss: Chaos at Salford City
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