Preview - The Latics face Lancashire rivals Blackpool tomorrow and finally, the Blues have something to cheer about. After a run of no win in 7 games and a terrible string of injuries, the Latics playing side has finally been showing the run of form many expected for this season after our summer exodus. Alas, that is about to change.
Off-the-field, the best piece of news for months arrived on Friday with the re-purchasing of Boundary Park. The potential new owners have already put in an estimated £600,000 (if you include the £200,000 due for December) and the buying back of the Latics ground will add an estimated £4m to that total. For every Latics fan, this represents real investment which gives hope that the nightmare is finally soon-to-be-over. It's a far cry from June this year, where we had been told on a daily basis that the club was about to be bought. This time though, the investment shown so far is what is needed "money where the mouth is."
This indeed brings me onto Blackpool fans and my fast-changing opinion of them. In the past, only feelings of friendly banter/rivalry is all that had been felt. Now however, a strong, bitter, personal dislike has developed. It's nothing to do with their treatment of David Eyres, one which I find hilarious and acceptable, especially when you see fellow scouser McMahon cringing in the 'Pool dugout. It's more to do with the fact that I've heard the some disgusting comments coming from their fans on a regular basis. And that is, "I hope that Oldham don't go bust, because it will mean we'll lose our 3pts we got from you."
The most recent time I heard this was when I got talking with 3 Blackpool fans who were on the same train that I got back from Chesterfield. They had been to Peterborough and conversation about our respective games soon turned to each clubs situations. One of these "fans" responded with that comment about losing 3pts. This "fan" backed up his comment with his feelings about clubs in administration and how it is unfair.
True, maybe clubs being in administration is unfair, however surely every fan wants clubs to survive so we have 92 league teams. However, this "fan" failed to realise several things. Both himself and I are fans, who would travel all over the country for our clubs. Yet his respect for me as a fan, was to only wish for our club to survive for his 3pts. As I pointed out, we faced Notts County on a following Saturday and it was a game that could have been their last EVER in the football league. Not for one minute would I sit watching that game thinking "what if we win, they go bust and we lose the 3pts?" Instead, it was more a case of "what a tragedy if this club goes bust." And that being the oldest football league club in the world.
Yet, this Blackpool fan is not the only one to say such comments. Several times this has happened. It is nice and cosy to have the security of the likes of the Oyston family (if they can stay out of jail long enough). Yes, we did have a chairman that threw stupid money at it but all we got fed was lies. Yes, we were concerned when he wouldn't meet us - the fans! Yes, we were worried that he was getting us into hot water! And yes, we did know that we would be brought to our knees should he stitch us up - like he did! But do these Blackpool "fans" really believe (even before the use of hindsight) that we wanted that success at all costs and were happy to risk sacrificing our club. No way. Even our Chief Executive was rumoured to have been sacked for questioning the-then Chairman.
This brings me back to tomorrows game. Having left those "fans" on that train, my eagerness for tomorrows clash was increased tenfold. Realistically though, the chances of winning have been less optimistic - until this week. With injuries and suspensions clearing and the "big 3" back, the Latics now have a squad which almost resembles the side that went 10 games unbeaten earlier this season. The future's bright - and it certainly isn't orange!!!
--------------
Latics Team News
The Latics welcome back David Eyres (LW) and Paul Murray (CM) from injury, while passmaster John Sheridan returns from suspension. However, defender Mark Hudson (CB) is cup-tied after Fulham refused him permission to play. A defensive change should see Danny Hall at the back, which he will prefer after an unusual game in midfield last weekend.
John Eyre (IF) should have improved fitness tomorrow after he appeared to struggle badly on his return from a back injury last weekend. So too should Jermaine Jackson (CM), whose lively debut should further improve his fitness after his 1st competitive game for months.
The only significant absentee will be striker Chris Killen, however he is set to be out until mid-February. In his place, Vernon and Zola should continue their partnership however Dowie may opt to rest an out of form Vernon and move Johnson upfront. He proved a handful at times on his debut.
The dark horse though, and probably the Latics key to the game will be Calvin Zola. The Newcastle loan man has permission to play due to being on a season-long loan. If Zola plays like he can, Blackpool might struggle to contain him. Zola is hit and miss, but Dowie will tell the lanky forward to use his presence more than ever to gain that edge. Should he have his finishing boots on, then 'Pool will need to watch him carefully.
Blackpool Team News
Richie Wellens looks certain to play after recovering from an ankle injury, whilst Steve Davis is expected to return in place of loan defender Steve Elliott who is cup-tied.
Also, out-of-favour Phil Barnes might have a rare chance to put himself in the shop window following his transfer request. Barnes fell out of favour after a bad run, but has a chance to replace loan goalkeeper Brad Jones, who has also been refused permission to play. If McMahon chooses differently though, he might opt for former number 1 keeper Lee Jones however Jones has been dogged by injury so this would be a bit of a gamble.
'Pool however, are unchanged upfront and boast 17 goal hit-man Scott Taylor. The Latics will need to keep Taylor quiet to stand a chance.
Verdict:
Blackpool's superb run of 6 wins in 7 games gives them the all-round edge to this game. That, plus the Latics bad run and an in-form Scott Taylor means the Seasiders will come to Boundary Park full of confidence. However, the Latics do have key players back for this match and the cup is always a leveller. Plus, these games are never dull as both teams like to go for the jugular.
Both attacks look to be strong - well the Latics will be if Zola plays as Dr Jekyll rather than Mr Hyde, and thus this leads me to believe that the defences will be key to who will win the match.
Dowie changed that Latics system last weekend to accommodate players and it failed miserably. That plus unfit additions meant the back was leaky and players looked like they'd been dragged in off Sheepfoot Lane. That will be different tomorrow though, as Dowie will revert to normal. The only worry is Holden, who has been out-of-form lately.
As for 'Pools defence, the side are certain to miss Elliott and keeper Brad Jones. Also, if Barnes plays then he will be under pressure to either change McMahon's mind or put himself in the shop window. Or if Lee Jones plays in net, then he might worry about his injury troubles resurfacing. This all makes me wonder how solid 'Pools defence will be.
The cooking pot is brimming and this is set up to be a classic FA Cup tie, full of Lancashire rivalry. The last time the Latics played Blackpool in the FA Cup, the blues won. However, I can't see a repeat of this tomorrow. This has a draw written all over it.
Prediction: Latics 1 Blackpool 1