Manager Paul Cox has maintained that we are still the underdogs ahead of tonight’s eagerly-awaited FA Cup with Budweiser showdown against Oldham Athletic.
Despite a money-spinning trip to Liverpool awaiting tonight’s winners in Round Three, our boss wants our players to enjoy themselves against Lee Johnson’s team.
The Latics, who are 25 places above us in the football pyramid, were brought back to a replay at One Call Stadium after Sam Clucas’ equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Boundary Park ten days ago.
“The impetus will be on us to come out,” said Cox. “We want to try to make it a really good cup tie and I hope our supporters come down and roar us on.
“We are definitely still the underdogs and when you play a team from a division above it is always the case.
“When they drew us, most people would have put Oldham down to win the tie and most betting people will still have them down to win the replay.
“So there is no pressure on us whatsoever, apart from internal pressure here to try and win a football match. It’s a big game and we know the rewards for whoever wins it.
“I want my players to go out there and enjoy it.”
He added: “There will probably be some minor tweaks to the side, but we’ve had two good performances of late, so there is no need for wholesale changes.”
Cox has also stressed the importance of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two match with Accrington Stanley.
“Your next game is always your biggest game, but without sounding boring, we also have Accrington on Saturday and these are two big games,” continued our boss.
“It’s a big week for us and if we can pick up four points from two league games, it would cap it off to get a good result against Oldham.”
Our manager has a near full-strength team available for selection for tonight’s match. The only definite absentee is Ritchie Sutton (thigh).
Paul Cox’s full pre-match interview ahead of tonight’s clash with Oldham Athletic can be seen on Stags Player. To subscribe, click here.
