Opponent Insight: Oldham

York City are back in National League action this Tuesday, as they make the trip across the Pennines to take on strugglers Oldham Athletic

The Minstermen take up a comfortable mid-table position of 14th under manager David Webb, and are aiming high, with a potential playoff spot the target.

The same can't be said for Oldham, who are facing the unwanted situation of back-to-back relegations, sitting just outside of the bottom four in the league.

To gain some extra insight into City's next opponents, we spoke to sports reporter for the Oldham Times, Suzanne Geldard (@SuzanneNQNW/Twitter):

24 games into the season, and Oldham are surprisingly sitting just two points clear of relegation in the National League. Can you sum up how the season has gone so far for you?

"How long have you got?... The club has embarked on a huge period of transition.

"Pre-season was almost entirely conducted under the previous owner and previous manager. The takeover by a local family - the Rothwells - who signalled the end of the controversial and deeply unpopular Abdallah Lemsagam regime, was not finalised until the eve of the season. That meant Oldham had a meagre budget when it came to recruitment, making an overhaul of a newly relegated squad difficult. That had a knock-on effect at the start of the season, and they have been playing catch-up ever since.

"I think most people appreciated that this season was going to be tough, for numerous reasons, but it’s only once in the thick of it that you appreciate just how tough it is at this level.

"A change of manager in September has not brought about an instant upturn in form. The club has benefited from not being bound by a transfer window to welcome an influx of new signings.

"David Unsworth has been backed to make the squad his own, but effectively trying to have a pre-season while the season is ongoing, getting work done on the training ground to improve fitness and find a formula that suits new and existing players has proved difficult and that has been demonstrated by the results.

"The squad is starting to look more settled now though, so hopefully this is something they can benefit from in the second half of the season."

Latics’ form has been mixed of late, however they are yet to win two consecutive league games this term. How vital is it to get three points on Tuesday, and how easy is it to bounce back from the Trophy defeat?

"It’s a significant period for Latics with the visit of York being the first of five out of the next six games to be played at Boundary Park. It’s essential to kick off with a win, especially after Saturday’s postponement as a backlog of games is forming."

What kind of football does the manager, David Unsworth, like to play?

"Ideally, he would like to play attractive, attacking football. But rigours of this division and the ongoing personnel changes within the squad, as well as injuries, have combined made it tricky to find the right blend. Going back to basics with a 4-4-2 formation since the turn of the year has proved beneficial, certainly in the league, with four points from their first two games in 2023, so that is something they will be looking to build on."

A 1-1 draw was played out by these two sides back in August - both teams have had managerial changes since then - how do you think this game will pan out?

"A lot depends which Oldham team shows up on the night. If the effort and work-rate put in against Notts County in the next home game, allied to the clinical finishing at Dorking, then their first away win of the season - a comprehensive one at that - should be backed up at home."

What are Latics' strengths and weaknesses?

"If they are all on the same page their pressing game is effective and will lead to chances for the forwards as they press from the front. But they are prone to defensive lapses and these have proved costly throughout the season."

Who are the ones to watch?

"On their day the front two of Joe Nuttall and Mike Fondop are a handful. Top scorer Ben Tollitt too is capable of producing a goal out of nothing as well as creating opportunities for others too."

Score prediction?

"2-1 to Oldham."