LATICS’ derby showdown with Rochdale was once dubbed the ‘El Flat Cap Classico’.

Tomorrow’s powder keg clash with the Spotland survival rivals (7.45pm) is more like a ‘not-for-the-feint-hearted forget ’em all.’

With so much at stake this time around, the rest didn’t really matter. Scarcely has a local locking of horns had more riding on it.

Boss Richie Wellens said: “Our draw against Gillingham on Saturday and Rochdale’s win makes tomorrow even bigger.

“If we win, Saturday’s point will be looked upon as a decent result.”

Athletic are sure to be backed by yet another huge away following – ‘taking over your town again’ is a regular occurrence and a now familiar soundtrack blasted out by the faithful travelling army.

“The supporters will be massive and we’ll be looking to get the three points,” added Wellens.

“When I was a player, after a setback, I always believed it was my responsibility to pick the manager up but I’m now trying to pick the players up. I will pick them up – and we go again.”

A solitary point separates the neighbouring strugglers as the continued quest to escape the vice-like grip of relegation to League Two cranks one notch tighter with every passing week.

Three draws on the bounce will do that. Athletic, not for the first time, are doing things the hard way.

A defeat won’t be the end of the world. But with a tough-looking trip to AFC Wimbledon to come on Saturday, it’s another ‘must-not-lose’ mission for Wellens’ men.

Dale talisman – 20-goal top scorer and skipper Ian Henderson – misses the game after being sent off in Saturday’s surprise victory at Peterborough.

Latics are without Wilfried Moimbe following the left-back’s red card against Gillingham. Rob Hunt is expected to switch flanks with youngster Tom Hamer or veteran Brian Wilson enlisted with right-back duties. Alternatively, Gevaro Nepomuceno could slot in.

Craig Davies may provide options in attack after missing Saturday’s game having rolled an ankle in training.

Of their five remaining games, Rochdale have four at home – against Latics, Bradford, Plymouth and Charlton – a trip to Oxford is their only match away from Spotland.

After tomorrow, Latics go to AFC Wimbledon and Northampton with home games against Southend and Doncaster in between.

Strap yourselves in – this is going to be a lively one.