Manager Steve Robinson wants to claim the local bragging rights as he takes his side to Gigg Lane to face local rivals Bury tomorrow.
It’s the first local derby in which Robinson has managed Latics and he admits the game is all about sending the fans home with three points.
He said: "We’re well aware of the importance of this game, especially for the fans. It’s probably more about the fans than anything.
“It gives them the bragging rights on Monday morning and that’s what they live and die for, the players and management staff are well aware of that.
“It’s a game we are looking forward to, we don’t have any fears with how we are playing.
"The players are totally believe in what we are doing and it’s a case of going there and putting on a good performance.
"We are desperate to reward the supporters for their loyalty. They have always backed the players, even though half of them are still working out their names, a bit like the staff were the other week.
"The fans have really got behind the staff and the players and that’s what you need at a club like this. The atmosphere they create for the players is fantastic to see.”
Jamie Reckord was forced to miss the game during midweek with a slight groin injury but he gave a positive update on his current condition.
“Jamie should be fit for the game,” Robinson admitted. “We will have a look at him in training this morning but he should be alright.
"Jamie gives us another selection problem, which is a good problem to have. He gives us a lot of energy down the left hand side.
“Jahraldo has picked up a slight hamstring injury which is always the problem we take for throwing the boys in three or four days into training so he won’t be available for the game but we’ve got players who can come in.
“Ryan McLaughlin is getting fitter now, Brian Wilson is fit again so it’s a good selection problem to have."
With the end of the transfer window nearing, the manager still has his sights set on a striker.
“We have had to be patient and we will be patient to get the right person in,” he said.
“We have three or four irons in the fire, one in particular who we have done a deal for, but we just have to wait for them to wrap up the signing of their player.
“Whether he is in the side for tomorrow or its next week, we are not sure at the moment but we are planning ahead without him being here.
“We’ve got strikers in the building with Lee Erwin, Billy Mckay and Jake Cassidy that we are confident in as well so we don’t want to detract ourselves from them players as well.
“The striker will add to the squad and give us another selection issue and take pressure off the other players as well.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.