Goals galore suits Scholes
If his first match is anything to go by, Paul Scholes’ managerial career could prove to be as successful as his playing days.
The former midfield maestro was in the dugout for the first time midweek to see his side win convincingly and although the 4-1 scoreline may have flattered his Oldham side slightly, Scholes insists his team will aim to entertain and excite the faithful at Boundary Park playing the only way he knows.
Arguably the key cog in the trophy winning machine that was Alex Ferguson’s Man United, Scholes rarely played the ball backwards or sideways. Moving play forward and getting on the end of swashbuckling attacks himself was all that concerned Scholes, the player.
Installing such an attacking philosophy in a league he has never played in may be looked upon as a dangerous tactic but Scholes has watched enough of Oldham as a fan to know the strengths and weaknesses of this group of players.
You sense Scholes would rather come out on top of a 4-3 thriller than claim a scrappy 1-0
Besides, you only have to recall how Scholes, the pundit, continually lambasted Jose Mourinho’s dour style of football, choosing instead to lavish praise on Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola as a further clue as to how Paul Scholes, the manager, will go about things: you sense he'd rather come out on top of a 4-3 thriller than claim a scrappy 1-0.
I'm expecting Oldham to pick up where they left off in midweek - attacking the opposition with plenty of purpose. His defence may come under a bit more scrutiny this time out though up against in-form Crewe.
Locked on the same amount of points as their hosts, The Alex have to be considered serious play-off contenders if they maintain their excellent run of form. Scholes’ opposite number David Artell has seen his side defeated only once in the last eight - they’ve scored in each too.
Little doubt with regard to the hosts getting themselves on the scoresheet; the concern for Artell will be his backline which appears susceptible to conceding, especially of late. Three times Crewe led at Macclesfield earlier this month, only to be pegged back each time. One clean sheet in seven is unlikely to be improved upon here, I’d say.
Betting tip
Backing Scholes to quickly follow up on his first win with another 3 points crossed my mind but Crewe represent a fair old step-up on a Yeovil side in free-fall so I’ve opted out of an outright wager here.
However, there’s enough value knocking around to warrant a bet with over 2.5 goals at 10/11 (1.90) - a call I’m happy to make when looking at the last five games each have been involved in:
Oldham
vs. Macclesfield L 2-1
vs. Doncaster L 2-1
vs. MK Dons L 2-1
vs. Crawley W 0-3
vs. Yeovil W 4-1
Crewe
vs. Newport County W 3-2
vs. MK Dons W 0-1
vs. Colchester W 2-1
vs. Macclesfield D 3-3
vs. Carlisle W 2-1
Happy betting!
