Captain Liam Kelly believes the supporters will be the 12th man tomorrow and help the side on to three points against local rivals Bury.
Latics have struggled in front of their own supporters this season, winning only twice this season against Fleetwood Town and in the FA Cup against Mansfield Town.
However, with the feel-good factor of the return of manager John Sheridan, Kelly hopes the fans will make the difference and support the lads on to three points.
He said: "If the fans get behind the players then it makes that difference. They can be the 12th man and hope that is the case this Saturday.
"The atmosphere is more intense in a local derby but as a player it is 11 v 11. The pitch doesn’t change size and the players don’t change.
“The atmosphere is there but in a way, you can’t let that affect you because you need to go out and do what you need to win the match.”
The new gaffer has had a week to work with his players and get his ideas across.
“We’ve been working on a few things this week and hopefully you can see the benefit of that this weekend,” Kelly admitted.
“Training has been good and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so hopefully the things we have worked on will help us get the win on Saturday."
Local rivals Bury were taken to extra time and penalties with 10 men on Tuesday night in their FA Cup third round clash with Bradford City, and the captain admits it can tough, especially in winter.
“This time of the year is bad for your legs because it takes it out of you,” he said.
"It’s a long gruelling season and you pray for Saturday, Saturday games at this time of the year because there is more chance of injury if you play midweek games as well. Hopefully we will be the fresher team on Saturday.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.