OLDHAM boss Brian Talbot will leave it to the last minute before deciding whether to gamble on the fitness of striker Chris Killen.
The former Manchester City player has missed the last four games with a groin injury and only returned to training on Wednesday.
The Latics top-scorer, he has bagged 11 in 16 starts, has been a key figure in Oldham's progress to the third round.
He scored the penalty that knocked out non-league Thurrock in the first round and then grabbed a hat-trick against Leyton Orient.
Killen, who has been dogged by injury since, said: "The latest problem has been slower to respond to treatment than was expected.
"I will see how it goes in training but I have been looking forward to playing against City since the draw was made.
"They gave me my chance in English football but that will count for nothing once the game gets under way."
Alex Bruce, son of former Manchester United legend Steve Bruce, who is on three month's loan from Blackburn Rovers, will take over Dean Holden's right back spot.
City winger Lee Croft, who has spent a couple of months on loan, won't play after manager Kevin Keegan refused permission.
Kevin Betsy will return to his favoured wide right slot after being used as a stand-in striker.
Veteran David Eyres, 41 next month and the oldest outfield player in the League, will return after being rested for the Colchester game.
Talbot hasn't put pressure on his players. Just the opposite. After Monday's game at Colchester he gave them two days off.
"I don't know what Kevin Keegan is thinking, but I am sure he won't be looking forward to the tie," the Oldham boss said.
"It is still a tricky tie and it is never easy when you are playing a team from a lower division.
"Nine times out of 10, 99 times out of a 100, the Premiership side will win but never totally write off the underdog."
Talbot, a big admirer of Sean Wright-Phillips, added: "I think we will have a problem with him.
"In fact, I don't know how you stop him. It is going to be a massive challenge on the day and thank goodness I won't be on the pitch. It will be a big stage and we will have to approach it the right way."
Can Oldham cause an upset against City? Have your say.
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Place your bets !... place your bers!....Latics fans demand a refund of their ticket price after Manager announces "he doesn't know who will be playing in place of Lee Croft....Only one fit striker and half a dozen old and worn out CROCKS".. to face the old enemy Manchester City in't Cup tomorrow... best right sided player in club - Wilkinson never given a chance....Get your money on at Betfred's on correct scores 1-5 or 1-6 could be about right....NEGATIVE CLUB IS ABOUT RIGHT - Manager same.
Are you for real? Do you even know where Boundary opark is? Do you come down week in week out and support the team your slagging off? I DOUBT IT!!! Good look an saturday lads, lets get behind our club, our squad and our manager and lets knock City out!! Third round hear we come!!!
Ay Laddie I know where B.P. is helps a bit havin' bin born there.
Seriously I HOPE we win and at the same time SERIOUSLY I can see us getting thrashed when we have negative comments like - who am I going to play now, did he not know Croft couldn't play, did he not discard and destroy the hopes and ambitions of Wes Wilkinson....did he not almost destroy Chris Killen and Scott Verno...... did he not sign superstars (ho ho ho) Jack and Arber .....and so on...yes get down to Fred's and get a good bet on at 1-5 or 1-6 - you could make some real money....
Good Luck hope you have a genuine ticket mate !.. COME ON OLDHAM....WHY IS MY NOSE GROWING SO LONG - AT THIS RATE......could make the BP Team...we'll never know what next !
With our defense??? No chance!
The best hope for the Latics is keeping the score respectable... I've already placed my bet on 5-1.
Shaun Wright-Phillips to score first and City to win 1-5 ... great odds at Latics Bet 311-1
Even better for 1-6
Go on True Latics Fan... have a flutter and let your brain (??) rule your heart for a change.. then go and hav a holiday with yer loot...!
Have you seen this Danny ???
how many are you going to let in tomorrow ?? ( Joking only ) in case someone thinks you are called Hall !.
I take it you won't be going on holiday then with your winnings?