Oldham Athletic prepare for an EFL Trophy group stage match against Leeds United Under-21s at Boundary Park on Tuesday evening. The fixture offers a break from League Two struggles, where the Latics sit 21st with just eight points from nine games.
Oldham's form has been difficult, with one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five league outings. Their most recent result was a goalless home draw with Accrington Stanley last weekend. Before that, they suffered heavy defeats to Salford City and Rochdale, with a narrow win over Fleetwood Town providing a brief respite. You can review their full schedule on our fixtures page.
The young Leeds side enter the competition with mixed cup form, having lost to Tamworth but beaten Solihull Moors in the National League Cup this season. Their team typically features a blend of academy prospects and experienced professionals, presenting a different challenge for Oldham's squad.
With no permanent manager currently named, the Latics will look to this trophy tie to build valuable match sharpness and confidence. The team that drew with Accrington lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring players like Kavanagh in attack and Hudson in goal. The competition rules allow for squad rotation, which could see minutes for other members of the squad.
A positive performance could provide a platform ahead of a key League Two home game against Cheltenham Town this Saturday. Cheltenham currently sit eighth in the table, making that a significant test. Oldham's immediate focus is on securing a result against Leeds' youngsters to lift spirits around Boundary Park.
