The FA Youth Cup takes centre stage for the young Latics, as they host AFC Fylde at Boundary Park today (kick-off 3pm).
The U19s enter the competition in the Second Round Qualifying and will be looking to use the cup as an opportunity to shine.
Results have been difficult to come by so far this campaign for Latics as they adapt to a number of changes brought about by the club’s second season outside of the EFL.
The Youth Team remain in the EFL Youth Alliance but with the first-year players recruited through open trials rather than the usual scholarships, they have regularly found themselves up against strong opposition.
Despite results, the team has shown good signs of improvement in recent weeks, running Bradford City close in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup and almost causing a scare by taking a 3-1 lead before the hosts fought back.
Second-year scholar Alfie Atherton scored twice against Bradford and he has been in excellent individual form so far this season. Quick, direct and presenting a regular threat from the right flank, he has the speed and confidence to cause problems for any defence.
With Atherton operating on the right, newcomer Somtee Chukwugbo also provides a key outlet on the opposite flank with pace to burn.
Defender Jesse Williams has made a good start to his second year and is another who has the ability to use this coming season as a platform to show what he can do.
AFC Fylde play in the National League Youth Alliance and as a club with a strong Academy set-up, they will present a considerable challenge.
They have already registered some big wins this season and enjoyed a fine run in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago, overcoming Sunderland and Cambridge en route to the Fourth Round, when they lost against Chelsea.
For U19s Head Coach Chuks Akuneto and his players, it is another opportunity in what was always going to be a season when the focus is on development.
Come along to Boundary Park to support the lads today. Kick-off is at 3pm, with admission in the Main Stand on the day being adults £4 and concessions £1.