Grimsby Town vs Oldham Predictions

Manager Michael Jolley’s first full season in charge of Grimsby has not gone the way he would have liked, with the team hovering above the relegation zone after seven games.

His side have only won once, against Macclesfield in a 2-0 away victory on the second weekend of the season. Despite that result, Jolley has seen his team lose four times and come into this fixture on the back of three consecutive losses, with no goals scored in any them. This is worrying form for the team and raises questions over where they will come this season.

Although, it should be noted that most of Grimsby’s fixtures have been against the stronger teams in the division. Forest Green Rovers, Yeovil, Newport and Bury all possess significant quality within their teams and are all in the top half of the league, so defeats to them can be partially justified through that. However, conceding four against both Forest Green Rovers and Bury in their last league match is unacceptable and questions do need to be asked of the team, especially their defence.

There have been signs of promise though, that Jolley’s emphasis on the passing game is being reflected in some of his team’s performances. Along with the win against Macclesfield, Grimsby have also drawn with MK Dons away and Lincoln City at home. These teams are arguably the strongest in the division this year and if they can replicate that standard of display, then they should be comfortably safe this season.

After being tipped by many to be relegated this season after falling from League One last year, Oldham Athletic have surprised everyone this season with their results. Despite an inexperienced manager in Frankie Bunn and squad, they have shown tremendous team spirit to grind out some important results.

They have managed to secure points in the matches they would have marked down as essential matches in their battle to get promoted once more. They have beaten Morecambe, Macclesfield and Crawley, whilst drew away at Forest Green Rovers and Yeovil. This would be exactly what Bunn would have wanted from the start to the season.

They have had some standout performers in a team that has been largely thrown together at the start of the season. In particular, defender George Edmondson as shown tremendous potential, whilst Daniel Iversen has been more than assured in goal. In attack, Chris O’ Grady, Ishmael Miller and Jose Baxter have adapted well and have all chipped in with goals and assists.

The only criticism that could be levelled at Bunn’s team is their record against the stronger teams in the division. They lost 2-1 at home to MK Dons on the opening day and, in their most recent match, they lost to Newport, also at home. In order to really challenge for the play-off places, they have to try and accrue some more points against these sides.

We think Oldham could take something from this game, which will be tough match for them. Grimsby will fancy their chances here, using the international break to further implement Jolley’s passing approach. However, Grimsby are low on confidence and if Oldham suppress them well, they could fall back.

Thus, a Draw full time result looks appropriate, as both sides could easily cancel each other out. In addition, a 1-1 correct score-line reflects Grimsby’s poor recent scoring form.