For those that read my latest match report on Oldhamathletic-mad.co.uk, the following will sound familiar. For those that haven't, then the following is relevant. Our 2 games against Notts County in 3 days, has seen the Latics playing a different formation - one with 3-5-2 and more attacking purpose about it. And against The Magpies, it has proven to be fairly successful and damaging. Six goals in 2 games isn't bad for a side that was very tight at the back (was 4 clean sheets in a row) but looked far from convincing and not scoring. But this is where balance is the key.
Against Notts County we have twice given performances of commitment and working for each other, both of which have created many openings and 6 goals. Worryingly though, this has been achieved at a cost - the Latics have looked more open at the back and a better side may probably have done more damage.
It is fast becoming evident that we are going to employ 2 styles of play. Either we will play the type of stuff we did in our first 6 games whereby you are cautious and tentative in approach, and claim clean sheets. If we sneak the odd goal here and there aswell, then success is the result. Or, we will choose good attacking, creative football. However, this approach means that it's a must that you do it better than your opponents, so that if you do concede (as we have) you outscore them. This principle took the Latics to the top of the table this time last year - but not being able to do the former (i.e. defend) was the undoing. Therefore the key to success is an ability of flexibility between those two systems. Master that and you master promotion.
At present, we appear to be proving adaptable to both systems. The defence can look as solid as a rock when it wants, whereas the midfield is slowly beginning to have an impact in games and upfront, Killen and Wijnhard are a breath of fresh air. Those two play off each other so well, it is something which has not been seen from a Latics strikeforce for years. And now, they are both beginning to score so maybe we are on our way.
My only concern is this word called "complacency". Just 14 days ago, I wrote a preview which indicated we should take Wycombe apart, but a very poor performance left egg on my face. For this game, I have even more reason to suggest that we should take Mansfield apart, but dare I?
However, I am going to suggest this will be a walkover, purely because of the new shape and form we are currently showing over the last two games. It is nothing that we've seen so far this season. The performances and results look to be coming together, as does Dowie's first XI and the know-how of opening up the opposition. Even fitness seems to be improving throughout the side which bodes well for the Latics. Add to this, Mansfield look like they could be the whipping boys of the division.
The Latics do have a couple of injury concerns though. Killen may begin on the bench along with defender Berehall, as both have slight muscle strains. However, Baudet (who looked better on Tuesday) and Corazzin will fit in neatly. Matty Appleby should return after a suspension (which I believed would be 2 games, but was actually just the 1.) The side is taking shape and hopefully tomorrow, taking 3pts.
Predicted team: GK - Pogliacomi, DF - Hall, Hill, Baudet, MD - Eyres, D.Sheridan, Eyre, Appleby, Low, FW - Winjhard, Corazzin
Verdict: Latics to win by a couple of goals.
Predicted scoreline: 3-1