Rivalries renew on Saturday afternoon as Oldham host Rochdale at Boundary Park. We have our match preview and betting predictions.
Oldham looked like they had a good shot of automatic promotion but a poor run of form has seen them lose ground on Barnet, Forest Green and York. The Latics had gone seven games without a win before a comfortable 2-0 win over Eastleigh. Billy Waters and Jake Caprice scored either side of halftime to relieve some pressure on the under-fire Micky Mellon.
Anything other than promotion may be seen as a failure by the Oldham hierarchy, so Mellon will be keen to ensure his side builds momentum before a difficult playoff bout. Despite boasting an impressive home stadium, The Latics have been poor at Boundary Park, picking up just 29 points compared to their 33 on the road - the most in the league.
When the sides met earlier in the season, Mike Fondop-Talum scored after 17 minutes to give the visitors the lead and maintain Oldham's five-game unbeaten streak against their bitter rivals.
Rochdale are playing only their second season in non-league after coming 11th last year. While Oldham know their playoff spot is all but guaranteed, Dale face an uphill task to finish in the top seven, with Altrincham, Southend and Eastleigh all hot on their tail.
Jim Mcnulty has his side well-drilled and hard to beat, conceding just 29 goals - the fewest in the league. They have been much stronger at home, picking up 33 points compared to their 22 away.
Both sides boast two of the top scorers in the league, with Mike Fondop Talum scoring 15 for Oldham, while Kairo Mitchell has scored 14 for Rochdale.
Prediction: Draw @ 3.20
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