It's a game we have to win - Latics' manager
Lee Johnson has described Sunday's home game against Bradford City in Sky Bet League 1 as massively important if Latics are mount a challenge for a promotion play-off place.Latics' manager is aware that Latics would only be four points behind City, who occupy the last play-off spot, if they emerge victors at Boundary Park.
"It is a six-pointer so far as we are concerned. If we have serious ambitions about getting into the play-offs, it's a game we have to win," explained Johnson
Latics' manager is looking forward to Sunday which will attract the biggest attendance of the season with Bradford having already sold over 2,000 tickets. And he believes the atmosphere will be electric which will help his team.
Johnson is also aware of the threat of Bradford's front pairing of Nahki Wells and James Hanson who have 13 and six goals respectively.
He explained: "They are one of the best strike pairings in the division and it will be a good challenge for our defenders as individuals to try and win a clean sheet.
"We need more clean sheets and, if we get one against one of the division's top strikeforces, that would be great."
Johnson added that Bradford's style is direct but he is full of admiration as to what they have achieved under Phil Parkinson.
Last season Bradford played twice at Wembley in the final of the Capital One Cup and later the League Two Play Offs.
And after going up, Bradford have maintained the momentum as they challenge for back-to-back promotions.
Johnson said: "They are a direct side, but I have an awful of of respect for them and for what Phil Parkinson has done - where he has taken them from.
"He has done excellently and has blended a team which is a force in League One."
Last season Bradford played twice at Wembley in the final of the Capital One Cup and later the League Two Play Offs.
And after going up, Bradford have maintained the momentum as they challenge for back-to-back promotions.
Johnson said: "They are a direct side, but I have an awful of of respect for them and for what Phil Parkinson has done - where he has taken them from.
"He has done excellently and has blended a team which is a force in League One."