THE CHALKBOARD

JOHN Sheridan is enjoying his fifth spell back at Oldham and seems to have luck on his side.

Athletic have been strong defensively all season, veteran skipper Peter Clarke impressing as his team have constructed the fourth-best record in the division, but it is up front where the Latics have been found wanting, averaging just 0.7 goals a game.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Peter Clarke (left)

Under Sheridan, he has found a way to eke out results and five wins in their last eight games has seen them climb out of the relegation zone.

In those eight games, when Oldham have scored first, they have gone on to win every time, so Swindon will have to be resolute at the back.

If Town lose, there will be an eight-point gap between the two, having been a point behind four games ago.

MAN IN FORM: Connor Ripley

WHILE Oldham Athletic have struggled in front of goal this season, with the worst record in the league having failed to score on 18 occasions, at the other end they have been pretty solid.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Connor Ripley

Connor Ripley, on loan from Premier League side Middlesbrough, boasts the joint-highest number of clean sheets this season, with 12 to his name – only Fleetwood Town’s Alex Cairns matching him.

The 24-year-old, son of former Blackburn Rovers and England winger Stuart Ripley, is an imposing figure in the Latics goal and is brimming with confidence despite the season Oldham have endured.

Ripley is known for his shot stopping ability and was a pivotal figure in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic, pulling off a string of top-quality saves to keep the Addicks at bay.

TREATMENT ROOM

THE loss of right-back Anthony Gerrard for the next two games will be a big blow to Oldham’s defensive line this weekend.

The 31-year-old was yesterday charged by the FA for improper behaviour at half time against Chesterfield, following an incident that took place in the tunnel following his sending off - a charge he accepted.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Anthony Gerrard (centre)

The Latics will be without two other full-backs for the trip to Wiltshire as left-back Charles Dunn and right-back Cameron Dummigan are both sidelined.

The duo are due back from their respective pelvic and hamstring injuries in March.

Central defender George Edmundson has got a slight foot injury and was due back in training yesterday, but will be a doubt for the game.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Tues, Feb 14

Skybet League 1

1-0 WIN V Charlton (H)

Sat, Feb 11

Skybet League 1

3-2 WIN V Coventry (H)

Tue, Feb 7

Skybet League 1

1-0 LOSS V MK Dons

Sat, Feb 4

Skybet League 1

1-0 WIN V Chesterfield

Sat, Jan 28

Skybet League 1

2-1 LOSS V Bradford Town

GOALSCORERS

Peter Clarke: 5

Lee Erwin: 4

Josh Law: 3

DISCIPLINE

Ousmane Fane: 2R 7Y

Anthony Gerrard: 1R 3Y

Paul Green: 1R 2Y

THE STAT

Swindon have failed to beat Oldham on their last five visits to the County Ground, suffering three defeats and two draws.