Rodgers, Weso on stand-by for Posh away day

JOSE Baxter is a major doubt for tomorrow’s tough trip to Peterborough, having picked up a strain that forced him to skip training.

Athletic’s main creative outlet, scorer of two goals in the opening-day 4-3 win at Stevenage, was being assessed this morning after missing yesterday’s session.

If he fails to make it, manager Lee Johnson will be forced to explore a different option in central midfield — which could mean a full debut for Anton Rodgers, or alternatively a first start of the season for ex-Posh man James Wesolowski.

Another ex-Posh man, Jonson Clarke-Harris, may miss out with an ankle injury, and Cliff Byrne should start in place of David Mellor.

James Dayton should be fit to take his place on the right side of midfield, while Sidney Schmeltz and Cristian Montano are duelling for a spot on the opposite flank.

Well-fancied Peterborough have won the last three meetings between the sides, with a goals aggregate of 12 to three in their favour.

It is clear Peterborough won’t be taking Athletic’s challenge lightly: “Oldham will do better this season than last season in my opinion,” said manager Darren Ferguson.


ATHLETIC are set to sign left-back Joseph Mills on a loan deal from Championship side Burnley.
Swindon-born Mills (23) joined the Clarets in the summer from Reading after a loan spell at Turf Moor last season, but has yet to feature so far.

Mills could slot into Athletic’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Peterborough, with Jonathan Grounds set to move inside to centre-back alongside James Tarkowski.


ATHLETIC will have their work cut out against the side bookies are making second favourites for the League One title, writes Chronicle betting specialist KEITH McHUGH.
The hosts are a meagre 4-7 to win tomorrow’s clash, with a draw at 3-1 and an Athletic win 5-1.

While those odds underestimate Athletic, this is a tough fixture for Lee Johnson’s side.

Better value lies in the first goalscorer market which is headed by Britt Assombalonga of Posh at

7-2. Lee Tomlin and Tyrone Barnett are 5-1, but in the hope that Athletic grab the opening goal for the first time this season, Charlie MacDonald represents some value at 10-1.