Oldham vs Derby Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

After being tipped by many to be relegation candidates this season, whilst no cause for panic, Oldham have not done much to ease those concerns in their first two matches.

The team’s first match ended in a 2-1 home loss to MK Dons, which was not the worst result given the Dons’ status as a title favourite. The team battled well and deserved to get a goal back but fell just short in the end.

Against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, the team gained their first point of the season. They came from behind to earn a draw, with a 78th-minute penalty from Dan Gardner levelling the score. However, the team were largely dominated, having significantly less possession and less shots. They had to rely on the exploits of on-loan goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, who made several important saves.

The fact that the team were dominated by a team that finished just above the relegation zone last season should cause worry about the side’s ability to win games against the lesser teams in the league. With an inexperienced manager and squad, the team could be in trouble if they cannot see these games out.

Oldham’s opponents for tonight also have an inexperienced manager, with Derby having played their first two games under Frank Lampard.

His first game in charge could not have gone much better, with Tom Lawrence scoring a last-minute winner away at Reading to take all three points. His side were determined and showed signs of attacking flair, produced largely by on-loan midfielder Mason Mount and Lawrence. Whilst there were a few shaky moments at the back, particularly by centre-back Richard Keogh, it was a promising display.

Added to the feeling of optimism were a raft of new signings during the last few days of the transfer window. Striker Martyn Waghorn arrived from Ipswich to replace Matej Vydra, whilst defender Fikayo Tomori came on loan from Chelsea and midfielder Duane Holmes from Scunthorpe. There now looks real depth and competition for places at Derby, which Lampard will hope increases the level of performance.

However, the team were humbled 4-1 at home to Marco Bielsa’s Leeds to wash away the good feeling around the club. They were outclassed and outmaneuvered by their opponents style of play, conceding four times but that could have been more had it not been for some important saves by Scott Carson. Although Leeds could become the dominant force for the Championship, to lose so badly will have really dented the confidence and momentum of everyone at the club.

That is why we think this game could potentially produce a shock, as the League Cup so often does. Derby will have been shaken by that defeat and if Lampard makes a raft of changes, it could take a while for the team to properly come into the game. Although Oldham haven’t had the best of starts, a fired-up display as underdogs could spark their season.

Thus, we think this game could finish up as a Draw, with a 1-1 correct final-score to take it to extra time. Whilst Derby could edge it after 90 minutes with that extra bit of quality, Oldham will be putting up a good fight to get their season going.