Manager David Dunn has described Saturday’s game with Colchester United as the biggest of the season so far.
Latics enter 2016 in the Sky Bet League One relegation zones, and have the same points as bottom of the table Colchester, and the gaffer highlighted the importance of this game.
He said: "It’s probably the biggest fixture of our season so far. It’s a really big game and we need three points.
"I’ve watched Colchester a couple of times. I went to watch them at Sheffield United and they played really well up there.
“They went 2-0 up and Sheffield United came back but we know they have some dangerous players who are good for them so they will be a threat.
“If we can eliminate those sloppy goals that we concede then we can be a threat for anyone”
With the transfer window set to open on January 2, Dunn has made no secret of his desire to add to his squad.
“We need to act sooner rather than later but we might have to wait a little while to get the ones we want,” he commented.
"We’re not a million miles off. If we tighten up a bit then I’m sure we will be okay.”
The fans will play an important part in Saturday’s game and Dunn wants them to turn out in their numbers and support the lads.
“They always play a big part, and they clapped the lads off in the last game so as long as they can see a bit of improvement then I’m sure that’s what they want to see,” he said.
“I just want to get three points, that’s the main thing."
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.