OLDHAM go to Scunthorpe knowing they can hit top spot if they beat the league leaders.

Richie Wellens insisted: "You can't ask better than first against second, it will be our biggest game so far."

The Latics playmaker added: "It should be a cracking contest between two of the best teams in the division.

"We look like scoring every time we take to the pitch.

"We are full of confidence, fear nobody and there is no reason why we can't come back with all three points and I fancy us to win 3-1."

Oldham also expect to be boosted by the return of 18-goal leading scorer Chris Porter and winger Chris Taylor, who both missed last Saturday's 2-2 draw against Championship outfit Wolves in the FA Cup third round.

Big defender Sean Gregan, who made his loan move from Leeds United into a permanent deal earlier in the week, will also be back in the side.

Latics are one of Division One's form teams after banking 28 points from 33.

During that time they have scored 27 goals, conceded six and keeper Les Pogliacomi has kept seven clean sheets. Scunthorpe, who have signed Sheffield Wednesday striker Drew Talbot on a month's loan, also have the league's top scorer in 19-goal hitman Billy Sharpe.

Promotion form

But Latics boss John Sheridan said: "It is another game we can win. We are getting close to averaging two points a game and that's promotion form.

"We have proved we can be a force so let's carry on and see if we can get even stronger.

"We are going the right way and, hopefully, there are going to be good times ahead.

"The lads have got themselves into a strong position and it is important we keep ticking away."

Meanwhile, Latics defender Marc Tierney has turned down a move to League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town.

The 21-year-old left back, out of contract in the summer, wants to stay at Boundary Park to fight for a new deal.

Sheridan, however, has told some of his players they can go during the transfer window.

"I need to get one or two people out on loan or permanent deals," he said. "I've told one or two players they can go on a permanent basis."

Last season: Scunthorpe 4 Oldham 2

Key opponent: Billy Sharpe - the club and league's leading scorer, what more can you say?

Prediction: Scunthorpe 1 Oldham 2 - On form Latics will be boosted by the return of Porter and Taylor.

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get odds of 12/1 on a 0 - 2 win for Bury at Betfred. For all the latest sporting odds with Betfred, click here.

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