Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson is excited ahead of Saturday’s trip to sixth-placed Chesterfield, where the Latics will aim to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions.
The Oldham boss is anything but complacent despite his side’s good form, however, and expects a tough game against high-flying opposition.
Chesterfield were promoted as League Two champions last season and, though they lost 3-2 away to Bristol City last weekend, have adapted well to life in League One.
“It will be attacking and we have moved into that phase now where we feel we are solid enough and going into attack teams,” said Johnson.
“Our boys are confident, their boys are confident and they are coming back from a last minute defeat to Bristol City last week.
“I think it will be a big showstopper and one to watch.”
Chesterfield have won just once in their last five games, but Johnson is aware of the threat Saturday’s opposition pose.
He is especially mindful of Spireites’ striker Eoin Doyle who tops the League One scoring charts with 14 this term – six ahead of the nearest contender, Bristol City’s Aaron Wilbraham.
“We have certainly got to be aware of his movements and penalties,” said Johnson.
“He scores all types of goals and he has hit a real purple patch.
“We have to make sure that our defenders are aware of his qualities and that is what we will be doing via the analysis and training.”
But Johnson is equally cautious of focusing too intently on one player, and neglecting the rest of the team.
“If we worry just about one player though, they have enough talent in their squad to punish us,” he warned.
“They have (Gary) Roberts, (Daniel) Johnson and (Armand) Gnanduillet who could be a threat, two good midfielders and full backs that bomb on.
But Johnson feels his team are more than capable of handling this threat.
Last weekend’s impressive 2-1 win against Walsall extended the Latics’ unbeaten run to ten games, cementing their position as League One’s in-form side.
“We are on a nice path at the moment which is good but we have a few tough games coming up,” said Johnson.
“We will just continue on our pursuit of excellence and help galvanise the town through football.
“I hear we are going to take between 700-1,000 fans and I’m sure there will be goals to see.”
Main image courtesy of OfficialOAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
