After an entertaining round of bank holiday action, the National League is back this Saturday, with Gateshead vs Oldham the chosen televised game.
Gateshead were many people's dark horses for a top-seven finish this season and have entertained neutrals, scoring 12 goals and conceding 10 in just six games. Mike Williamson’s side sits in 11th place with eight points. The Tynesiders have caught the eye for their entertaining, possession-based football, with goals spread throughout the team. Marcus Dinanga and Stephen Wearne have seven goals between them.
Despite heading into the season as second favourites for the title, Oldham are only outside the relegation zone due to Southend’s point deduction. After losing three, drawing two, and winning just one of their opening games, pressure is bound to be ramping up on unpopular manager David Unsworth. The 49-year-old has an extremely talented squad at his disposal but is struggling to get the best out of them, in particular Kurt Willoughby, who scored 20 goals last season but has yet to make much impact.
campaign - Credit: Eddie Garvey / Oldham Athletic Football Club
The Latics have struggled away from home, failing to win so far.
In their first season back in the National League, Gateshead finished 14th after a fantastic run that saw them record a league-high xG post-Christmas. They were strong going forward, scoring 67 goals—the second most for any team outside the top five.
Ex-Premier League side Oldham finished 12th last season after a strong end to the campaign. Unsworth’s side struggled away from home, picking up just 22 points away from Boundary Park. Defensively, Oldham were weak, conceding the third most goals in the top half (64).
Greg Olley is a Gateshead icon. After captaining the side to the Vanarama North title with 28 assists, he impressed again last season with 26 goal contributions in 48 appearances in all competitions. He has only been fit to play two games so far, so he will be hoping to make an impact on Saturday.
James Norwood was a shock acquisition from League 1 Barnsley after scoring 12 goals in Barnsley’s 4th-place finish. He has already scored three goals this season and will be well rested after being benched in the defeat to Solihull Moors.
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As mentioned, Gateshead has started the season in entertaining fashion. Mike Williamson will have his side playing in the same front-foot style as usual. In away days, David Unsworth has set Oldham up not to get beat since their 4-0 loss to Southend. They will look to park the bus and frustrate Gateshead. However, the Tynesiders should have too much for the Latics.
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