By Harry Hawthorne
A reinvigorated Oldham Athletic will travel to MK Dons keen to keep up their momentum.
Following five games in charge as caretaker boss, Richie Wellens will be hoping his first game in permanent charge of the Latics can reap a fourth win in five games.
Oldham chairman Simon Corney spoke about their new appointment to the Manchester Evening News:
“Richie has shown great character and performed way beyond our expectations, bringing an upturn in fortune and results for the club.”
Wellens has lifted Oldham off the bottom of the League One table to 19th and fought off competition from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes to secure the managerial position.
A former midfielder at the club, Wellens made 90 appearances for the club over two spells.
However, current Latics midfielders Ryan Flynn and Paul Green are both doubtful with Achilles injuries.
Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin is also unlikely to make an appearance as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
MK Dons meanwhile, will be hoping the scoreline of one of their two victories over the Latics last season can be replicated. The Dons won 2-0 at Boundary Park in October last year before securing a 1-0 victory at home in February.
The Milton Keynes side sit 14th in the table, although the four point gap between them and a play-off place will provide encouragement.
On the other hand, the Dons will know that improvement in their form is needed. Defeats against Bradford and Portsmouth were followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Walsall.
Osman Sow is out of Saturday’s game for the Dons after limping off against Walsall with manager Robbie Nielson stating: “We’re really disappointed to lose him. He’ll get scanned assessed later today (Thursday) but it’s not looking great. Fingers cross it’s not too bad.”
Chuks Aneke is also a doubt, although he did play the full 90 minutes in midweek.