Manager John Sheridan says his side should need no further motivation when they step out for one of the biggest games of the season so far tonight.

Athletic face Roses rivals Leeds United amidst what's sure to be a red-hot atmosphere in front of the Sky cameras.

Sheridan emerged on the winning side as Latics triumphed 2-0 at Elland Road, but Leeds will come into the game on a high after recording victories in each of their last two matches.

"Leeds are a team who, like ourselves, are pushing for promotion," he said.  "They are a massive club with massive support and there will be a great atmosphere tonight.

"These are the games the lads should want to play in.  We know we can go out there and win - three points would be a massive boost for the players and supporters.

"We want to give the fans something to shout about, so hopefully they will get right behind us for the first whistle."

Shez will come face-to-face with two good footballing friends in Leeds boss Simon Grayson and coach Glynn Snodin tonight.

Grayson took over the Elland Road hotseat after leaving Blackpool earlier in the season, while ex-Latic Snodin joined his coaching staff recently.

"I like Simon as a lad - he was just coming through at Leeds while I was there, and I'm good friends with Glynn," he added.

"I'm sure we will all have a drink in my office after the game but I want to beat them more than anything and I'm sure they will be saying the same thing.

"There is a lot of pressure and big expectations at Elland Road, but Simon can handle that as he is a good manager who did an excellent job at Blackpool.

"We've done well against Leeds in the last two games and played well in the game here last year even though we lost 1-0.  We're just taking one game at a time and if we can get a win tonight that would be fantastic."