Manager John Sheridan believes it will be a big game for his players as Blackpool visit SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow night.
Should Latics beat the Seasiders, they will leapfrog them and be in with a chance of getting out of the relegation places.
And victory is the only thing Sheridan is thinking about. “It’s a big game,” he admitted.
“It’s a team in and around us and we can gain an advantage on us, likewise for Blackpool.
“They know we have a couple of games in hand and they can come here and make it difficult for us if they get the result they want so we know the importance of the game.
“We are going to go all guns blazing and try and win the game because it is a big game for us. We are playing against a team and we need to gain an advantage on us.”
Whilst Athletic were defeated on Saturday, results around them meant they remain three points from safety but the manager is only concentrating on his own team.
“Shrewsbury have found themselves getting away from us so I just try and concentrate on ourselves.
“I was hoping to get something from the game against Sheffield United because everyone had difficult games but there are plenty of points to play for and plenty of games to go.
“There are a few teams who are in the mix that will feel like they can get out of it but I’m concentrating on us and getting performances out of my team.”
Tomorrow’s game starts a big week for Latics as neighbours Rochdale visit on Saturday, and Sheridan is urging the supporters to get behind the lads.
“We have two really big games this week,” he commented. “If we get a good result tomorrow then I expect a decent crowd on Saturday.
"It’s a derby game against a good Rochdale team. I like Keith Hill and how he gets his team playing but I want to concentrate on Blackpool.
“It will be a difficult game but hopefully we can get the three points and make for an exciting game on Saturday."
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.