Latics ready to welcome League Two’s ‘best squad’
OLDHAM head coach Dino Maamria says his side must be well prepared if they are to get a result against Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium today.
The Latics boss was frustrated with his side’s performance in midweek after a 3-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley left them three games without a win.
“We’ve moved on (from Tuesday) already. I think it’s a funny competition because you’re never too sure who to play and who not to play,” said the Tunisian.
“It was a good exercise in terms of keeping a few of the lads fresh for the weekend and have a look at one or two others.
“That’s what that competition serves, we want to win every game, we played a strong team, but it wasn’t to be.”
Despite being tipped to be challenging for the title in the summer, today’s opponents have surprisingly struggled so far this season, sitting just two places above Oldham in 19th with 13 points from 12 games.
John Dempster’s side have also managed just one win from their last five in all competitions, most recently losing 4-3 on penalties to Crewe Alexandra after a 1-1 draw in the Leasing. com Trophy on Tuesday night.
“They’ve probably got the best squad on paper in League Two,” Maamria added. “They have a lot of options across the pitch, so they’re a strong team without a shadow of a doubt.
“They haven’t had the start they were looking for, they’re probably in a transition period as well as us with a new manager coming in.
“Whichever way we play, I’m aware of their threats and their weaknesses, so hopefully we’ll be well prepared for it.” RAHEEM Sterling believes he has to score 40 goals this season if he is to be regarded as the best.
The City forward has already scored 11 goals for club and country this season and has picked up where he left off in the last campaign, when he ended on 27 goals, 25 for City and two for England.
And while the 24-year-old has got off to a good start already, he believes he has to score even more if he is to be considered the best.
“I scored 25 goals last season and you know there is no point coming into this season to be happy to score less,” Sterling told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We won the Premier League last year and every year you have got to look to do better than your last. This year is no different, those are the numbers (40) if you want to be regarded as the best, you have got to produce.”
Sterling started England’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic last night – and won an early penalty which captain Harry Kane duly converted.
The England manager usually deploys Sterling in attack alongside Harry Kane and either Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho – with Sancho getting the nod against the Czech’s – and the City attacker said the attacking threat in their side excites him.
“I think with the four players you mention, they’re all players that are still getting better,” Sterling added.
“They are still learning, but at the same time are producing as well, so, yeah, it’s an exciting front three.
“But, you know, we’ve got to do it in big games, big tournaments. That’s when we’ll be judged if we’re a great front three or not.”