Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson has warned his players the clash Carlisle United carries as much importance as every single game left this season.
The Cumbrians will travel down the M6 to Boundary Park just two places above Latics and without a win since March 9.
Despite having drawn their last three matches and with just one win in 11, Johnson believes Carlisle will be motivated by three points all but guaranteeing safety.
“It is a big game and I am sure Carlisle will see it as one that, if they win, they will be on their holidays with no threat of relegation,” said the 31-year-old.
“We know they will be up for it because they will want the victory so they can relax as quickly as they can.”
Player-coach Paul Murray faces his hometown club where he had two spells – between 1994 and 1996 plus the 2006/07 season – while striker Matt Smith is fit after scoring for the reserves in midweek.
Winger Jordan Obita is unavailable having returned to Reading after his loan deal expired but Johnson gave his players two days off after a tough Easter schedule.
“I gave the lads two days off this week which some people may have been surprised when we are in a relegation fight,” added the Latics manager, who faces seven games in 22 days.
“The reason was that it provided them with a mental release because we have a big period coming up.
“I decided it was the best thing to do, but that remains to be seen whether it was right or not.”
With Oldham only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, they will hope to replicate their victory over Carlisle at Brunton Park back in May.
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