Leyton Orient are hoping to continue ‘surprising’ teams as they want to be flexible with formations throughout the season.

The O’s are due to host Oldham Athletic at the Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday as they look to build on their 2-2 draw with Newport County last weekend.

Kenny Jackett’s side have now played a 3-4-3, 4-4-2, and a 4-2-3-1 so far this campaign, and will continue to keep mixing it up.

Assistant Joe Gallen said: “We decided to go for three at the back, 3-4-3 really was how it looked. Alex Mitchell has come in from Millwall and has got a lot of personality and power.

“I thought he played very well for us and we have some options there now. Dan Happe is not here, Shadrach Ogie played well, Omar Beckles. It was a change of shape.

“We want to have some flexibility as we think we can surprise some teams with different formations. We can play like we did today (Saturday), last week we played 4-4-2, and we started off the season playing 4-2-3-1.

Hackney Gazette: Darren Pratley of Orient during Leyton Orient vs Harrogate Town, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at The Breyer Group Stadium on 24th August 2021Darren Pratley of Orient during Leyton Orient vs Harrogate Town, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at The Breyer Group Stadium on 24th August 2021 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

“We’ve managed to play with three different systems so far, all with varying degrees of success, but flexibility is key in terms of formation and then we can keep the opposition guessing.”

Gallen added: “The crowd must believe in the team, we certainly do believe in the team, and we’ve been explaining to them that they are a good group and a good team.

“It’s looking like we can toe-to-toe with most teams in this division and that’s what we’re looking to do. We’re not looking to come and get a point at Newport, we came to get three.”

Midfielder Callum Reilly will be slowly eased in as he gets up to full fitness after joining the O’s on deadline day alongside young defender Mitchell.

“Callum has come in, he has had a good career, playing for some teams at a higher level than League Two. He’s got a lovely left-foot, good on the ball, but we’ve got to get him fit.”

Defender Dan Happe is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks as it was revealed to only be a minor knock.

“He’s got a groin strain, that’s a bit old school. He’s not going to be out too long. It’s pretty minor and we hope for him to be back as soon as possible.”