Latics boss thinks team will put in big performance against Swindon

Latics boss Dino Maamria reckons his team can put in a big performance under little or no pressure at League Two table-toppers Swindon on Saturday.

Richie Wellens' Robins are flying at present.

They have won their last six league matches, so Latics will be huge underdogs for the crunch Wiltshire clash.

That tag doesn't appear to concern Maamria, however, who was as confident as ever when previewing the fixture.
The Latics gaffer said: "I'd say Swindon are the best team in the league right now. The league table doesn't lie.

"They've got some terrific players who have won promotions before, like Mathieu Baudry, Michael Doughty and Anthony Grant, while we all know how much of a force Eoin Doyle and Jerry Yates are going forward.

"We know what to do, though, at the right time.

"We will have to be at our absolute best on the day of course, and not give them space on the ball, but I've looked at their strengths and weaknesses so hopefully we can exploit them.

"I hope my players can just go down there and play with a little more freedom on that big pitch, with more expression even.

"If we defend resiliently too, that can take the pressure off a little and we have been doing that better lately.
"We're unbeaten in five games in the league don't forget.

"We've got nine points from the last five games. It's a good return, but we just have to keep learning and keep building on that."

Of course there are a number of Latics links in the Swindon set-up at present.

On the field, among the Robins regulars are ex-Latics favourites Rob Hunt, Jordan Lyden and 18-goal Doyle, while Wellens is a familiar face too, sacked as Boundary Park boss in the summer of last year following relegation to the fourth tier.

"I know Richie and I know he knows us pretty well," said Maamria.

"There's no love lost between us.

"All these factors might make it an edgy game for Swindon, and that could work in our favour.
"It could make it a little more difficult for them."

Christopher Misilou and Johan Branger-Engone are definitely out injured again for the weekend trip south, but defender Tomas Egert could return.

He has resumed training this week following his injury.

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