The Latics travel up to the North East tomorrow to take on a team that not only won promotion but believes they'll be able to follow Rotherham's example set a few years ago.
The 'Pool side might have the mettle too, with a side that has neared success for 3 years after successive play-off final defeats but last year they final made promotion a certainty. Having kept the nucleus of the team, 'Pool hope to move on up to Division 1 this season. And with players like Richie Humphries and Marco Gabbiadini, it has to be said that they've got some talent with a blend of experience.
The Latics on the other hand face the task of winning their first away game at Victoria Park - a ground that hasn't seem a visitor score at yet. And with the Latics having let in at least 2 goals per game, the writing could be on the wall. However, the Latics have got a decent scoring record so far (1.8 goals per game) so maybe my narrowly (but thankfully) missed prediction of 2-2 last weekend, would be suited here again.
There are concerns again with the Latics side though. John Eyre looks certain to miss out and in defence, Clegg looks set to be dropped again as Danny Hall returns from suspension. The should mean that Holden moves out to right wing back again into a position which he has scored a number of goals in before now. Hall, Haining and Hudson should make up a fairly useful defence - it just needs a few games unchanged though for it to gel.
In midfield the Latics do have the worry of pace. A midfield which can quickly switch from defence to attack is key to a successful team and unless we can pass the ball well in order that we don't face too many counter-attacks, then we should be ok. Personally though, despite Cooksey's useful display against Rushden, putting in last Saturday's last-minute-winning goalscoring hero O'Halloran must be considered.
Nobody has sang O'Halloran's praise more than myself as he was the catalyst for a fighting display against Scunthorpe when they narrowly knocked the Latics out of the cup. He is a must.
Finally we have Calvin Zola who will make his debut against Curier. He sounds useful, but we'll wait and see.
Prediction: 2-2 - again, I can see goals leaked for both sides. Entertainment should again be high though. Hold onto your hats!