Latics and Doncaster will lock horns for the FIFTH time this season tomorrow.

The sides have already met twice in the FA Cup, once in the League and once in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with two games ending in draws and both sides getting a single win apiece.

Sean O'Driscoll's men drew first blood as Jason Price, Paul Green and Martin Woods netted in a 3-0 win at Keepmoat Stadium at the second stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, although Rovers were eliminated by Grimsby on penalties in the next round.

Then the two teams met at Boundary Park after being drawn together in the First Round of the FA Cup -- James Hayter earning the visitors a replay with a second-half double after Neal Trotman and Craig Davies had given the hosts a two-goal lead.

But Athletic made no mistake in the replay at the Keepmoat, storming back after Mark McCammon fired the home side ahead to win the game through goals from Neil Kilkenny and Gary McDonald.

Lee Hughes looked like he'd given Athletic victory in the League One clash back in December, only for Rovers to level through a heavily-disputed penalty in the final minute.

Manager O'Driscoll geared up for a promotion push in pre-season, bringing Richie Wellens in on a free transfer from Latics and luring Scottish defender Gordon Greer south of the border.

Martin Woods also signed from Rotherham, while Rovers splashed the cash to bring Bournemouth stalwart James Hayter to the Keepmoat Stadium. Sam Hird also came in, while Neil Sullivan signed on a permanent basis.

O'Driscoll trimmed his squad elsewhere, saying goodbye to Adam Brown, Rob Pacey, Jan Budtz (Hartlepool), Sean Thornton (Leyton Orient), Jon-Paul Pittman (Crawley) and Liam Green (Boston).

And things have gone pretty much to plan for the Keepmoat Stadium outfit, who lie in third place just three points behind second-placed Carlisle.

But their automatic promotion bid was done no favours on Good Friday when Yeovil's Terry Skiverton and Lloyd Owusu both scored in a 2-1 win at Huish Park.

Hayter currently leads the way on the goalscoring front with nine goals, including his double against Latics in the FA Cup. The ex-Bournemouth man has a good goalscoring record against Athletic, and will have to be watched carefully.

Lewis Guy lies in second place with eight goals, while ex-Latic Richie Wellens has scored seven times from midfield this season.

Latics boss John Sheridan will again have to deal with a lengthy injury list, with John Thompson the latest casualty after he came off just nine minutes into the draw with Millwall.

Andy Liddell (achilles), Lee Hughes (groin), Craig Davies (hamstring), Lewis Alessandra (achilles), Mark Crossley (groin) are all still out,  but Reuben Hazell returns from suspension.

O'Driscoll is faring slightly better, although he looks likely to be without defender Gordon Greer.   Hayter is in contention after coming through a recent behind-closed-doors friendly.

A total of three players have received special dispensation from Wales to play before linking up with the international squad after the game.

Latics skipper Neal Eardley has received the green light to play, while Doncaster pair Brian Stock and Steve Roberts will also start Wales duty after the game.

But Rovers' Stuart Elliott is unavailable as he is on international duty with the Northern Irish squad.

Commentary is LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Latics World from 2.55pm.

Opponent Profile -- Richie Wellens

Latics fans will need no introduction to Doncaster's influential playmaker Richie Wellens.

Wellens turned down a new contract at Boundary Park in the summer to link up with Sean O'Driscoll's side at the Keepmoat Stadium, and has started the season in his typical all-action style.

The 27-year-old has already scored seven goals this season.

Wellens began his career with Manchester United before moving to Blackpool in March 2000. The midfielder rose to captain the side, finishing his Blackpool career with a total of 226 appearances (19 goals).

Latics beat off stiff competition to land Wellens' signature in summer 2005, and he went on to be a big favourite at Boundary Park, clocking up a grand total of 101 appearances (8 goals) for the club.

Pre-Match Stats


Head-To-Head Record: (33 meetings) Latics 6, Doncaster 14, Draw 13.

Last Time Out: 08/12/07 -- Oldham Athletic 1-1 Doncaster Rovers (Coca-Cola League One)

Latics: Crossley, Eardley, Trotman, Stam, Bertrand, Allott, Kilkenny, McDonald, Taylor, Hughes, Davies.

Subs Not Used: Hazell, Smalley, Kalala, Thompson, Bell.



Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Lockwood, Stephen Roberts (McCammon, 84), McDaid, Woods, Wellens (Green, 88), Wilson (Coppinger, 69), Stock, Guy, Hayter.

Subs Not Used: Horlock, Nelthorpe.



Match Betting courtesy of bet365: Latics 10/3, Doncaster 8/11, Draw 5/2.