Oldham Athletic will look to finally secure a second home EFL League Two win when they host rock-bottom Newport County at Boundary Park on Saturday afternoon, writes Lanz Sievert.
The Latics face a Newport side under new management following the surprise appointment of Christian Fuchs on Wednesday. The 39-year-old former Leicester City defender and 2016 Premier League winner has no prior managerial experience.
Fuchs takes over an Exiles side sitting bottom of League Two with just 11 points from 16 matches. Newport sacked David Hughes last Friday after winning just three league matches since the summer.
For Oldham, this represents a golden opportunity. Micky Mellon’s side have won just once at Boundary Park in eight league attempts, collecting only eight points from a possible 24.
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Saturday’s goalless draw with Crewe extended Oldham’s winless run at Boundary Park to seven league matches. Five of their eight home fixtures have ended in stalemates, more than any other team in League Two.
Michael Mellon continues to carry Oldham’s attacking burden with six goals in all competitions. The rest of the squad has contributed just six league goals across 16 matches.
READ MORE: Oldham Athletic’s home struggles: One win in eight matches
Newport arrive having lost three consecutive matches, conceding seven goals in the process. Their defensive record is the worst in the division, with 28 goals conceded.
Fuchs faces an immediate test in his first match as a manager. The new manager bounce is real. Newport players will be eager to impress their new boss.
Oldham will again be without captain Tom Conlon through his season-ending injury, but Ryan Woods returns from suspension after missing the Crewe draw.
Recent meetings between these sides have been tight affairs. Newport hold a slight edge with two wins to Oldham’s one in their last six encounters, with three draws.
This represents Oldham’s best chance to secure three points at Boundary Park. Newport’s managerial inexperience, defensive frailties, and bottom-place position make them vulnerable.
However, Oldham cannot afford complacency. Their home form has been abysmal, and the pressure to perform in front of their own supporters remains intense.
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