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This week’s early kick off comes from Boundary Park as the two National League big hitters face off in Saturday’s early kick off.
The Latics were one of the frontrunners for promotion at the start of the season but have flattered to deceive thus far. Manager David Unsworth was fired after failing to have Oldham challenging where they should be with charismatic owner Frank Rothwell hiring promotion specialist Micky Mellon.
The 51-year-old has done a solid enough job so far, but with his side sat outside the playoffs in 8th, fans will be demanding more, especially given Oldham’s competitive budget.
The National League is extremely tight this year and with four points separating Gateshead in sixth and FC Halifax in ninth, so a tense ending to the campaign is anticipated.
With only one win in their six matches, Oldham will be hoping to find form as they make a late push for the playoffs and will need to be on top of their game if they are to defeat runaway leaders Chesterfield on Saturday.
The Spireites have been far and away the best side in the league this year and could be crowned champions on Saturday evening if Barnet lose to Woking. Paul Cook’s side are well on course for over 100 points and boast 29 wins from there 38 games thus far.
Chesterfield have been flawless in nearly everything they’ve done this season and are 23 points clear of their nearest competitor – a rare occurrence for such a tight and competitive league.
In front of goal, they’ve been relentless, scoring a league high 93 goals in 38 games, scoring two or more in a whooping 27 games.
While Chesterfield will have to have an almost perfect record to beat the National League point record- they will most certainly be playing League 2 football next season.
After relegation to the National League in the 2021/2022 season, Oldham made history by becoming the first club to have been playing in the National League after once playing in the Premier League. It has been a severe fall from grace for The Latics and one they were keen to rectify.
However, last season did not go as planned, with the Latics finishing a disappointing 12th after being threatened with relegation earlier in the season.
Chesterfield suffered penalty heartbreak in the playoff final. Finishing the season on 84 points and in third due to the historic seasons by Wrexham and Notts County, the Spireites were rewarded with a home tie against Bromley in the playoff Semi Finals.
They survived multiple scares, winning on the stroke of extra time half time thanks to a Liam Mandeville goal. The playoff final was even more dramatic. Andrew Dallas put them ahead after five minutes from the penalty spot, before John Bostock equalised in the 87th minute. Armando Dobra thought he had won it for Chesterfield three minutes into extra time, but Rúben Rodrigues levelled the score again in the 108th minute.
Chesterfield then lost on penalties, seeing Notts County return to the Football league. Most other seasons a team as talented as Chesterfield would've been promoted, so they have done themselves justice by all but securing it this year.
35-year-old Liam Hogan has been a constant in the Latics side this season, making 34 appearances already. The centre-back has had a long and successful career playing for teams such as Stockport, Salford and Tranmere.
Signed in the summer from Milton Keynes, Will Grigg has been in fine fettle for Chesterfield thus far. The 32-year-old is second in the scoring charts, scoring 34 already, including six in his last seven.
Oldham 1-2 Chesterfield - 8.50
Chesterfield to win @ 1.75
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