Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk was disappointed with his side's performance at the weekend in their 2-0 home defeat to Shrewsbury Town.
Two first half goals was enough to condemn Latics' youth team, sponsored by the Safeguard Group, to defeat to Shrewsbury and Philliskirk said: "We did look tired and it was a tired performance. The same lads are playing three games a week and we're catching up with fixtures.
"The lads went away to Shrewsbury in the cup and beat them 2-1. Fair play to Shrewsbury, they changed their system and we didn't handle it. We didn't move the ball or play with intensity and on the day the best team won. We created numerous chances during the game but goals change games and they took their chances and we didn't.
"At half time both coaches said it could have 4-4 but in the second half we just ran out of steam. I was talking to the boys after the game and there was a lot of tired bodies out there. We were down on numbers and the same lads are playing a lot of games."
The youngsters travel to Burnley today in the league and the manager will use the game to experiment with his squad.
"We have made a lot of changes for today's game, he admitted. "We have a few injuries coming back and some of the fringe players will get a game. Burnley have a strong youth set up and it will be a big ask for the players but one that the younger lads should relish.
"Burnley are big, strong, physical and quick. They are a Premier League team now so they do attract better quality of players due to their position. It will be good for us as staff as we can take a step back and watch the younger players in action and see how they handle that side of the game."