Latics on a high — chief

LEWIS ALESSANDRA: Set to retain his place in the starting XI.

JOHN SHERIDAN believes Athletic could become the great entertainers as they bid to step up their challenge for promotion.

Sheridan’s unbeaten side have played some impressive football in the early part of this season and are currently setting the pace in Coca-Cola League One.

Their next test is against Roberto di Matteo’s MK Dons tomorrow when it is hoped a crowd of at least 6,000 will turn out at Boundary Park.

And Sheridan said: “Although it’s going to be a tough game against very good opposition, my players should be full of confidence.

“We’ve been doing very well — I’m not usually one for statistics, but if you go back into last season we’ve scored 16 goals in our last five home games.

“There can’t be many teams with a better record, and we’ve been playing good football which will hopefully keep that run going.

“No-one is going over the top because we’ve only played five games, but I couldn’t ask for more than being top of the league.

“To be fair, our start hasn’t surprised me because we’ve got the players to be up there and, hopefully, to stay there for a bit longer.

“I’ve been around long enough to know everything could change quickly, so we need to keep our momentum going this weekend.”

Athletic’s first home league games of the season, against Millwall and Cheltenham, brought eight goals and maximum points.

Sheridan’s team selection for tomorrow could hinge on striker Lee Hughes, who is battling to get over a groin injury.

Indications are that Craig Davies and Lewis Alessandra will continue up front, although Hughes still isn’t being ruled out.

ATHLETIC (from): Crossley, Eardley, Hazell, Gregan, Lomax, Liddell, Allott, Whitaker, Taylor, Davies, Alessandra, O’Grady, Smalley, Maher, Byrne, Lee, Stephens, Hughes, Fleming.

MK Dons could hand a debut to Manchester City winger Donal McDermott after signing him on a one-month loan.

Canadian international striker Ali Gerba also comes into their squad after gaining clearance, but the experienced Kevin Gallen is likely to be missing.

MK DONS (from): Gueret, Regan, Stirling, O’Hanlon, Lewington, Wright, Leven, Belson, Johnson, Wilbraham, Baldock, Sturm, Navarro, Cummings, Llera, McDermott, Gerba, Abbey.