Oldham Athletic boss Lee Johnson has raised the stakes for Latics’ vital relegation battle with Colchester United in their bid to avoid dropping out of League One.
Johnson boasts an unbeaten record with Latics so far, but the club remains in the drop zone with a busy fixture list.
The 31-year-old boss did not hold back in putting pressure on the Easter Monday tie and hopes his players drag the U’s further into the dogfight.
“It is a massively important game for both Colchester and ourselves,” Johnson told the club website.
“We have analysed the DVD of Friday’s game and worked today on improving certain things in what was a productive session.
“We know a win will lift us out of the bottom four and Colchester will drop back into the relegation places.
“Colchester will be looking for a win to put more daylight between the two teams.”
Federico Bessone may earn his debut for Oldham, while midfielder Bobby Reid is also looking for a first start.
Colchester are undefeated in their last four away games and have earned draws on the previous three trips to Boundary Park.
Latics beat Colchester earlier in the season and aim to equal the points total of their relegation rivals.
