FATIGUE may force Richie Wellens to freshen things up when Scunthorpe United visit Boundary Park today.

While the Latics boss is reluctant to break up a winning side – Athletic are now unbeaten in seven following Tuesday’s last-gasp victory over Bury – he stressed how fitness levels can be the difference between winning and losing.

Wellens said: “With our style of play, we need players who can go full pelt at it and there’s a lot of tired bodies out there.

“I want to keep the same side for Scunthorpe because we have been doing so well but maybe we’ll have to make a few changes simply because the lads are so fatigued.

“Scunthorpe are a good side and Graham Alexander is a good manager, so we’ve got to be on our game.”

The Iron reached the play-offs last season and were unlucky not to go to Wembley, missing out against Millwall who went on to win promotion.

The visitors are set to line up with self-confessed Latics fan Matt Gilks in goal – Gilks grew up in Chadderton – and come into the game fresh from a 2-1 victory against Peterborough and useful away point at Fleetwood, but Wellens sees no reason why Latics can’t continue their own excellent run of form.

“It feels good at the moment,” he added.

“I feel as though the supporters believe in what we are trying to do. There’s a bit of a feel-good factor around the club.

“The momentum we’ve got has given the lads confidence and belief. If you start believing in what you’re doing it has a snowball effect.

“In any job, if you work with confidence you perform better.

“I don’t want players afraid of making a mistake. I want them to go on the pitch with a smile on their face, but obviously work hard.

“They will make mistakes but as long as they react to it I’m fine with that.”

After today's League One clash, Athletic are in FA Cup first round action at Carlisle next Saturday, followed by an international break which could mean the scheduled visit to Southend on November 11 is postponed.

“I want one last big effort before we have a break from the league,” said Wellens.

“Injury-wise we are OK, it’s just fatigue. Kean Bryan has got a tight calf but he had that before the Bury game.

“Paul Green is back now, Ryan Flynn is available, Brian Wilson is waiting for his opportunity as is Anthony Gerrard, so the squad is good and I’m pleased with it.”

As for bringing in an assistant, Wellens will wait in order to get the right man.

He said: “People keep asking me about the assistant manager, I met two potential candidates yesterday, both excellent names in the game. But I want to make sure I get it right, so there’s no rush.”