Mansfield v Oldham preview
Monday 1 October 2018 19:41, UK
Mansfield's Jacob Mellis is back in contention for the home game against Oldham after suspension.
Midfielder Mellis was banned for three matches following the Football Association's recent investigation into a brawl during the Stags' pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.
Alex MacDonald will play no part as he is scheduled to have knee surgery this week and Hayden White (ankle) also misses out. Defenders Zander Diamond (back) and David Mirfin (knee) are both working their way back from long-term injury.
Oldham striker Sam Surridge is struggling for fitness after missing Saturday's goalless draw at Swindon due to a hip injury. Forward Ishmael Miller made his first start since August at the weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury and is likely to retain his place.
Boss Frankie Bunn has no new injury or suspension problems as his side bid to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches. Midfielders Giles Coke, Jordan Lyden and Ousmane Fane all remain unavailable.
Opta stats
Mansfield have won just one of their last 10 meetings with Oldham in all competitions (D3 L6) however, that victory did come the last time the two sides met in January 2017 in what was a third round Football League Trophy match (2-0).
Oldham have won four of their last six visits to Mansfield in all competitions, despite drawing one and losing one of their previous two.
Mansfield have lost just one of their last 14 games in League Two (W5 D8). They had lost four in a row before this run.
Oldham Athletic have scored more goals (five) in the final 10 minutes of games than any other team in League Two this season. Dan Gardner has assisted each of their last three goals that have come at that stage.
