Oldham boss Dino Maamria insists he will take a win against Carlisle however it comes this afternoon.

The Latics manager attracted derision from United fans and players in the clubs' previous meeting when he claimed he wins "every time" he goes to Brunton Park.

Those comments in September were followed by a 1-0 Carlisle victory. The clubs are separated by three points ahead of this afternoon's rematch, which could see Maamria give a debut to new striker Danny Rowe.

Some Latics fans, meanwhile, are boycotting the game in protest at owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

Maamria, whose side are winless in five, told the Oldham Chronicle: "It doesn't really matter how we get the result against Carlisle, as long as we win it.

"We're focusing forward now. We won't over-estimate them and we won't under-estimate them.

"We've lost our last two games at home, so we really do need to get the win this weekend so we give our fans what they want and deserve.

"I think over the last 13 league games we've won four, lost four and drawn the rest.

"I think that is a steady improvement overall."

Rowe joined Oldham this week from AFC Fylde, while Maamria could also have new signing Zak Dearnley in the squad.

Keeper Gary Woods is out while there are doubts over Chris McCann and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.