Caretaker boss Dean Holden is hoping to inflict revenge on MK Dons as they visit SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow in Sky Bet League One.
Many described the first game between the pair this season as 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' but Latics now welcome the fourth-placed side looking to get one over on their league rivals.
"It's another fantastic game," said Holden. "MK Dons have produced for most of the season. They have had one or two ups and downs recently but for the most part they have been a very good side.
"They play the right way and it will be a very tough challenge for the lads. If we tighten up them small bits which are hurting us at the moment then we are a good side on our day.
"Even with our injury record, we have some good players out there who can produce on the day and win the game for us.
"The lads will be self motivated tomorrow and it doesn't matter what motivates them to me. As long as they go over that white line and they are up for the game.
"It might be a little bit of revenge from that bad day that we all experienced a few months ago down in Milton Keynes. As long as they pull together, that's all that matters."
Rhys Murphy picked up an injury on Saturday and will not feature tomorrow night, adding to the never-ending list of absentees.
"We are trying to fix it [injuries] and there is a little investigation going on at the moment about the injuries and why they are occurring," explained Holden.
"If we don't address it then they might keep on happening so obviously there is a problem there and we can find a solution for it and get our best players on the pitch."
Asked whether his side still had a chance of reaching the Sky Bet League One play-offs, Holden replied: "I truly believe we can.
"At the moment, people will look at it and think that is ridiculous but why not dream that? Why think the season is gone and accept mediocre? No chance."
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.