The Return of Richie

The second match in three days sees Oldham visit Bloomfield Road, with a bumper crowd expected and the return of the prodigal son Richie Wellens it’s going be a ding-dong-North-West-derby.

'It will be a big trip for a couple of the lads, going back to an old club always adds that little bit of spice.' – John Breckin Oldham assistant manager.

'I have nothing against them, but for 90 minutes I will be trying my hardest to make sure we get all the points.' – Richie Wellens

Simon Grayson has a full squad to pick from apart from the long term injuries of defender Danny Coid and Gareth Evens. So a unchanged line up should be named.

Missing for the Pool Gareth Evens – knee, Danny Coid – ankle.

He was the player to watch in Port Vale match and he put in a great performance, providing the assist for first goal and then scoring with a classy lob, so again the Scot is the main man to watch. The goal at Vale was his 5th of the season and first in eight games.

It’s the first return of two former Seasiders, Richie Wellens and Paul Edwards, both should start for the Latics despite Wellens having recent knee problems. Oldham also go into this game with a Boxing Day win under the belt, goals from former Pool target Luke Beckett and Butcher ensured a 2-1 victory at home to Bradford City.

The Latics operate a 3-5-2 formation, with former Pool player Paul Edwards operating as right-wing-back, Wellens sits in the middle of the five. Another former Pool player David Eyres will start on the bench.

Back for the Latics Rob Scott – Back from suspension.
Doubts Chris Swailes.

He made over 200 appearances for Blackpool and has been described as the most gifted footballers in recent times at Bloomfield Road. The former Manchester United midfielder scored 25 goals for the Pool including a few memorable long-range strikes, and that’s why he’s the player to watch, with the ability to turn the game and create an opportunity with a piece of skill.

Wellens, who moved to Boundary Park in the summer, was adamant that he had nothing to prove to home fans at Bloomfield Road “I don't have anything to prove, the fans know what I can do. I had five years at the club and enjoyed four and a half of them.”

The other unhappy half of-a-season was the period of the reign of Colin Hendry, Wellens commented this week that the appointment Hendry was a mistake, and was one of the reasons behind his departure from Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders managed the double over Oldham last year, winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 in the away fixture. Peter Clark and now Oldham player Paul Edwards got the goals in the home victory.

In the away win, Oldham took the lead through a Will Haining goal but goals from John Murphy and a certain Richie Wellens ensured that all three points went home to the Seaside.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire) Games: 19 Yellow Cards: 44 Red Cards: 1

Assistant Referees: Jim Devine (Cleveland) and David Richardson (Yorkshire)

Fourth Official: Jock Waugh (Yorkshire)

Blackpool 3 – 1 Oldham

Sat 31 13:30 H Vs Walsall Football League 1

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