Oldham v Sheff Utd preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Oldham and Sheffield United at Boundary Park.

Oldham will assess the fitness of Lee Barnard ahead of their League One clash with the Blades. On-loan Southampton forward Barnard missed training on Thursday due to a tight hamstring and is set to be closely monitored by caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk and his staff. Latics' FA Cup goal-hero Matt Smith came off the bench to score his fourth of the competition during Tuesday night's fifth-round replay defeat to Everton and could push for a start up front, although Robbie Simpson would provide a more like-for-like replacement if Barnard fails to recover in time. Experienced defender Cliff Byrne damaged his ankle earlier this week and is set to spend two weeks on the sidelines. Cristian Montano is back in training following a two-month lay-off with a thigh problem, but Philliskirk believes the winger needs a reserve outing before being considered for first-team duties. Youssouf M'Changama (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the season. Sheffield United teenager Diego De Girolamo is pushing for his full debut. The Chesterfield-born 17-year-old, who has an Italian father, has made two late substitute appearances in the Blades' last two home matches and in the continued absence of Jonathan Forte and Jamie Murphy, is in contention for his first start. Forte has missed the last three games with a groin problem, while Murphy sustained a similar injury in the recent win at Bournemouth and missed out in the goalless midweek draw with Leyton Orient. On-loan Leeds striker Dominic Poleon made his first start for the club on Tuesday night and could continue alongside Dave Kitson. Manager Danny Wilson has no new injury or suspension worries as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to six matches and climb back to the top of the table.