Manager Stephen Robinson believes Port Vale’s big pitch could play into his side’s hands tomorrow night as Latics travel to Vale Park.
Athletic missed a host of chances on Saturday against league leaders Scunthorpe United and were undone by a goal in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Whilst boss Robinson is still frustrated by the result, he believes there is no better time to turn the club’s form around by a win at Port Vale.
"We might shake the team up and freshen the legs up because it was a tough game on Saturday but we firmly believe we can get something out of the game.
"They have got a decent side and have threats in the wide areas. Anthony Grant in midfield is an experienced player in midfield so we think they will pass.
"The pitch is huge and it should be a decent football match but we have our own threats. If we take our chances and there is an end product to our game then we should be alright.”
After Paul Green was sent off on Saturday for two bookable offences, Robinson now has a selection dilemma in the middle of the park.
“Ousmane Fane gives the defensive option but Carl Winchester is also knocking on the door,” he commented.
“He was superb in the reserve game last Tuesday night so we have options and we intend to go as attacking as we possibly can.”
Latics find themselves third from bottom in Sky Bet League One, however, sit only three points off 19th position and the manager admitted it would be good for morale to get out of the danger zone.
“A lot of our play is good,” said Robinson. "We have a lot of players with understanding but we can’t keep saying unlucky or the referee has had a bad game.
"It has happened on numerous occasions but we have got to make it happen for ourselves. We are not going to get any help from referees or from anyone else outside, apart from us and the fans.
“Together we have to turn it around and the quicker we get out of the bottom four the better."
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.