Solihull Moors return to National League action, when they host Oldham Athletic, with both sides desperate to return to winning ways. 

The home side are currently on an eight match winless run, in all competitions, with their last victory occurring over a month ago against Eastleigh

Elsewhere, the visitors are also on a disappointing run of form, with the side winless in their last five matches. Interestingly, their last win occurred on the same day as their opponents. Oldham are also yet to pick up an away win in regular time so far this season.

This weekends match, is also the first time the two clubs will face each other in a competitive league match. 

  • Team News

Solihull Moors

Midfielder Jamey Osborne returned to the match-day squad last time out, and should be fit enough to push for a start this weekend.

Elsewhere, full-back Ben Coker missed the defeat to Chesterfield through illness, but is likely to be restored to the starting eleven on Saturday. Whereas, midfielder Callum Maycock was ruled out through injury, and remains touch and go ahead of the home tie. 

Therefore, Ethan Vaughan is likely to be dropped to the bench, and the debate between Ryan Boot and Louie Moulden remains, with Neal Ardley facing a tough dilemma. 

 

Oldham Athletic

The away side are expected to hand a debut to a familiar face, in the form of new signing Alex Reid, who has just joined the club from Stockport County

Ellis Chapman made his debut for the club last time out, and is therefore expected to retain his place in the squad. Speaking of new signings, experienced centre-back Peter Clarke is also expected to retain his place.

There is a second familiar face for the home side, with defender Lois Maynard expected to start for Oldham. He spent last season, on loan with Solihull Moors.

  • Expected Lineups 

Solihull Moors

Ryan Boot (GK) ; James Clarke, Callum Howe, Fiarce Kelleher, Ben Coker ; Callum Whelan, Kyle Storer ; Ryan Barnett, Joe Sbarra, Andrew Dallas ; Josh Kelly (4-2-3-1)

Oldham Athletic

Magnus Norman (GK) ; Nathan Sheron, Peter Clarke, Liam Hogan, Lois Maynard, Mark Kitching ; Hallam Hope, Ellis Chapman, Sydie Peck, Dan Gardner ; Alex Reid (5-4-1)

  • Key Players

Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors)

In order to turn their form around, the home side will be hoping that their standout players can prove doubters wrong and get their teams foot firmly over the line when it matters. 

Midfielder Sbarra has scored four goals in 18 league matches so far this season, as well as assisting a couple of others. He also netted a crucial equaliser against League Two side Hartlepool United in the FA Cup to force a replay. 

The 23-year-old is a constant workhorse and will cause the Oldham Athletic defence some serious problems all afternoon, if the visitors fail to do their homework on the pitch. 

Embed from Getty Images

Alex Reid (Oldham Athletic)

For the away side, the pressure is definitely on striker Alex Reid, who is expected to make his debut for the club. Reid began the 2022/23 season, on loan with Solihull Moors, where he scored seven goals in 17 National League games. 

However, his loan deal at the club was terminated due to his parent club agreeing to cancel his contract. He subsequently joined The Latics on a free transfer, last week. 

Reid will know The Moors very well, which can be beneficial to him because he would know each defenders weak points. Although he isn't necessarily a workhorse, he is a good finisher and will score goals if the defence allow him too much space. 

Embed from Getty Images

  • Match Details

Where will the match be played?

Saturday's National League match between Solihull Moors and Oldham Athletic, will be played at the Armco Arena in Solihull

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Armco Arena will be a 12:30pm kick-off. The time was changed due to the standard 3pm time, clashing with the FIFA World Cup knockout matches. 

Where can I watch the game?

Supporters are still eligible to purchase match tickets, via each sides respected ticketing areas. Similarly, if you are unable to watch the match, the game will be available on your local radio stations. The social media pages for each side, will also be posting minute-by-minute updates, as well as sites like Sky Sports providing score updates. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author