Oldham v Sheff Utd preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Oldham and Sheffield United at Boundary Park.

Last Updated: 01/03/13 at 16:49   

Lee Barnard: Faces a late fitness test

Lee Barnard: Faces a late fitness test

Oldham will assess the fitness of Lee Barnard ahead of their League One clash with the Blades.

On-loan Southampton forward Barnard missed training on Thursday due to a tight hamstring and is set to be closely monitored by caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk and his staff.

Latics' FA Cup goal-hero Matt Smith came off the bench to score his fourth of the competition during Tuesday night's fifth-round replay defeat to Everton and could push for a start up front, although Robbie Simpson would provide a more like-for-like replacement if Barnard fails to recover in time.

Experienced defender Cliff Byrne damaged his ankle earlier this week and is set to spend two weeks on the sidelines.

Cristian Montano is back in training following a two-month lay-off with a thigh problem, but Philliskirk believes the winger needs a reserve outing before being considered for first-team duties.

Youssouf M'Changama (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Sheffield United teenager Diego De Girolamo is pushing for his full debut.

The Chesterfield-born 17-year-old, who has an Italian father, has made two late substitute appearances in the Blades' last two home matches and in the continued absence of Jonathan Forte and Jamie Murphy, is in contention for his first start.

Forte has missed the last three games with a groin problem, while Murphy sustained a similar injury in the recent win at Bournemouth and missed out in the goalless midweek draw with Leyton Orient.

On-loan Leeds striker Dominic Poleon made his first start for the club on Tuesday night and could continue alongside Dave Kitson.

Manager Danny Wilson has no new injury or suspension worries as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to six matches and climb back to the top of the table.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

League One Fixtures

There are no fixtures at present.

npower League 1

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Doncaster 46 18 84
2 Bournemth 46 23 83
3 Brentford 46 15 79
4 Yeovil 46 15 77
5 Sheff Utd 46 14 75
6 Swindon 46 33 74
7 Leyton Or 46 7 71
8 MK Dons 46 17 70
9 Walsall 46 7 68
10 Crawley 46 1 68
11 Tranmere 46 10 67
12 Notts Co 46 12 65
13 Crewe 46 -8 64
14 Preston 46 5 59
15 Coventry 46 7 55
16 Shrewsbury 46 -6 55
17 Carlisle 46 -21 55
18 Stevenage 46 -17 54
19 Oldham 46 -13 51
20 Colchester 46 -21 51
21 Scunthorpe 46 -24 48
22 Bury 46 -28 41
23 Hartlepool 46 -28 41
24 Portsmouth 46 -18 32

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

Footer 365

Blackburn appoint Gary Bowyer as manager on 12-month rolling contract

Blackburn have confirmed the appointment of Gary Bowyer as the club's new manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

Inter Milan appoint Walter Mazzarri as coach after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni

Inter Milan have named Walter Mazzarri as the club's new coach on a two-year contract after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis clarifies Rafa Benitez comments

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has clarified earlier comments regarding a deal being agreed with Rafa Benitez.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved