Sweet FA again?

For the third consecutive season, the Robins face League One opposition at home in the first round. But, can they progress this time?

Vital Quotes:

Martin Allen (speaking to the Gloucestershire Echo on having all loan signings avaliable): ‘It is a massive relief and gives me an almost full squad to pick from. We had a long list of injuries, but we are slowly moving forward on that front. But, let’s make no bones about it, this is a tough game, we haven’t won for four matches and Oldham have already beaten us this season’.

John Sheridan (speaking to Latics World): “It will be a very tough game on Saturday; Cheltenham will work hard for each other. If we’re not ready for a fight then we might as well stay here. I’d like to think we can cause them problems and I’ll be concentrating on how we can affect the game.”

Cheltenham Team News:

All seven of Cheltenham’s loan signings have permission to play, whilst John Finnigan is included for the first time in over a year. Youth team players Marley Watkins and Lewis Fathers could also feature on a seven-man bench.

Player to watch: Drissa Diallo

The man from Mauritania will sign permanently on January 1st and will hope to celebrate by helping the Robins to a first clean sheet since August 16th.

Oldham Team News:

Kieran Lee and Stefan Stam could feature after respective hamstring and knee injuries. Brett Ormerod has been cleared to play by Preston, whilst Lee Hughes serves a one match ban.

Player to watch: Lewis Alessandra

The young striker will be hoping to feature, having scored the winner against Cheltenham back in April. He will look the continue the form which saw he net a hat-trick in the Latics last league win ten days ago.

Match Facts & Stats

The two teams have met in the FA Cup twice before, with Cheltenham victorious on both occasions. A Tony Naylor brace saw the Robins to victory in 2002, whilst goals from Mark Yates and Paul Brayson saw the Robins reach the third round in 2003. More recently, the Latics have triumphed in the side’s past two league encounters.