Preview: Exeter City vs. Oldham Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

Two sides at opposite ends of the League Two table meet at St James Park on Saturday, as fourth-placed Exeter City host struggling Oldham Athletic.

While the Grecians are in fine form following a run of four wins from five in all competitions, their opponents sit just a point off the foot of the standings after a dismal first third of the season.

Match preview

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The latest positive news in an increasingly impressive campaign for Exeter City came on Wednesday night, when a strong side sealed progress to the knockout stage of the EFL Trophy against a youthful Bristol Rovers XI.

Five goals to the good before half time - with Padraig Amond and Josh Coley both twice on the scoresheet - Matt Taylor's side eventually ran out 5-3 winners: a result which followed a comeback draw at Bradford in the FA Cup.

With time running out last weekend, Sam Nombe found the net to earn a 1-1 result, which brings the Grecians a replay back on home soil next Tuesday and prolongs an unbeaten streak which stands at some 16 matches.

They return to League Two action on Saturday, seeking to extend a winning run of three straight games, which has kept the Devon outfit within five points of leaders Forest Green Rovers.

In all, Exeter have lost only once so far this term in the league, but a series of draws - eight in total - has stopped them from really accelerating past several other contenders in the tightly-packed standings.

They certainly have a golden opportunity to continue along an upward curve in the second of four consecutive fixtures at St James Park in less than two weeks. After Oldham's visit, Taylor's side will reconvene with Bradford in their cup replay, before Carlisle make the long journey south next weekend.

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Despite squeezing through to the knockout rounds of the EFL Trophy following a 3-2 group stage loss to Tranmere in midweek, it has been a tough time for Oldham Athletic of late, and they sit 22nd in the League Two table heading into this weekend.

Keith Curle's side suffered a pair of 3-1 losses either side of a goalless draw with Carlisle in their three most recent league matches, while they have fared little better since.

Last weekend's creditable draw at Ipswich in the FA Cup brought some brief relief to the Latics, as they came from behind to secure a replay next week with the League One side. However, their Tuesday night reverse on Merseyside has already sapped any positive momentum accrued.

As they prepare for the trip to Exeter, though, Oldham may feel the pressure is off them as underdogs, and they have actually fared better on the road this term than at home.

Two wins and three defeats away from their Boundary Park headquarters represents a respectable haul for the cash-strapped club, who have been limited to registering only free agents and loan signings under a loan agreement taken out with the EFL last year.

Team News

Exeter made only a couple of changes from their FA Cup side in midweek, as they sought to ensure progress in the EFL Trophy, and they are likely to retain a similar starting XI on Saturday.

Jack Sparkes - who recently returned to action after three months on the sidelines - should feature in defence, while goalkeeper Cameron Dawson returns in place of teenage stopper Harry Lee as the hosts' last line of defence, having made a string of outstanding saves against Bradford.

Up front, Irish striker Padraig Amond will hope to supplant either Jevani Brown or Sam Nombe following his brace last time out.

The visitors, meanwhile, made a number of alterations in midfield on EFL Trophy duty, but are set to revert to a central pairing of Callum Whelan and Tottenham loanee Jamie Bowden at St James Park.

Zack Dearnley scored a brace in midweek, so is a strong contender to play in a probable front two for Keith Curle's side, alongside Hallam Hope or Congo international Dylan Bahamboula.

Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Dawson; Sparkes, Ray, Sweeney; Daniel, Collins, Atangana, Caprice; Jay; Nombe, Brown

Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:
Leutwiler; Clarke, Piergianni, McGahey; Fage, Bowden, Whelan, Couto; Keillor-Dunn; Bahamboula, Dearnley

We say: Exeter City 2-0 Oldham Athletic

Exeter can make the most of home advantage by racking up another win, this time against opponents who have registered less than half their goal tally this season.

A greater array of firepower should make the difference for the hosts, as the two clubs continue their very different trajectories in the congested League Two table.

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