OLDHAM take on fellow strugglers Grimsby with stand-in boss John Sheridan insisting: "This is a must-win game."

He explained: "It is vital we take maximum points off teams around and below us to pull away from the relegation places."

The two sides fought out a 3-3 draw at Blundell Park on Boxing Day and Sheridan added: "We threw away two points in that one and we can't afford to do it again.

"Grimsby have some decent players and like to play football, which should suit us.

"We have been creating a lot of chances and we need to start making more of them count."

Grimsby have won only one of their last 11 games and are within two points of the drop zone.

Oldham's home form has been a strong point since Sheridan took charge - they have won two, drawn one and lost one.

John Eyre will almost certainly return after his ban but striker Calvin Zola has been under treatment with a hamstring problem.

LAST SEASON: Different divisions.

KEY OPPONENT: Michael Boulding - the lively hitman has bagged 12 goals so far.

PREDICTION: Oldham 2 Grimsby 1 Tweet