Latics will square up to a League One powerhouse tomorrow when the Sky cameras descend on the Walkers Stadium for the clash with Leicester City.
The game will kick off at the unconventional time of 5.20pm as Athletic make their first live appearance since the two-legged defeat to Blackpool in May 2007.
Sheridan has challenged his side to 'become themselves' again away from home after they conceded seven goals without reply in two games on the road.
City were surprisingly relegated from the Championship last season under the tutelage of Ian Holloway, who departed by mutual consent with club backer Milan Mandaric.
Mandaric - formerly of Portsmouth - appointed Nigel Pearson as Holloway's successor and tasked him with promotion at the first attempt.
It's been fairly plain sailing so far for Pearson, who has established the Foxes as a real League One force powered by the goals of striker Matty Fryatt.
He fought off January interest from bigger clubs for the striker, who is by far and away the club's top scorer with an enviable 25 senior goals so far this season.
City go into the game with a 10-point lead over second-placed MK Dons (67-57pts) with 17 games to go. They have lost just once at home this season, winning 11 times and drawing on three occasions.
While Hartlepool lead the league in home goals with 30, Leicester are in tie with three clubs - including Latics - for second place with a tally of 29. Nine goals conceded on home turf represents League One's stingiest tally.
Indeed City have lost on just two occasions this season, meaning Latics will have their work cut out for them tomorrow if they are to take something for the game.
But boss John Sheridan is certainly upbeat and pointed to wins over Leeds and Nottingham Forest as proof that his side can more than live with the big boys.
The corresponding fixture between the two sides earlier in the season was an evenly-matched affair, Danny Whitaker equalising for the home side after Steve Howard headed the visitors into a second-half lead.
Athletic are likely to be without the services of striker Lee Hughes, who has failed to train after picking up an Achilles injury last week.
Lewis Alessandra is on alert to step in and partner Dean Windass in attack should Sheridan choose to retain a 4-4-2 formation.
Recent signing Daniel Jones will continue to receive treatment on an ankle problem, while Matty Wolfenden remains on the sidelines.
Mark Crossley (back) will be on the bench as a coach but is still more than a month away from a playing return.
Leicester have no new injury worries, and Bruno Berner will push for a starting place after returning to the bench against Walsall.
Latics (from): Fleming, Eardley, Golbourne, Windass, Stam, Whitaker, Allott, Lomax, Hazell, Maher, Gregan, Taylor, Lee, Stephens, Liddell, Smalley, Alessandra, Bell.
