You would expect Oldham manager John Sheridan to be pretty happy, with his team in the play-off zone and only two matches to go.

Far from it. Sheridan knows his side have already blown one big chance to get into the Championship and they could be about to throw away another.

As recently as February Oldham seemed destined for automatic promotion. They topped the table after a hat-trick of wins.

Since then the wheels have well and truly fallen off. They have won only twice in 16 matches and are suddenly clinging onto a top six spot on goal difference following last Saturday's defeat at Crewe and Swansea's win over Albion.

Carlisle are also only one point adrift and they entertain Swansea tomorrow.

Several of the Oldham squad are out of contract at the end of the season and Sheridan is not mincing his words. No-one is safe as he looks to reshape his ranks in the summer.

"Some of the players better have a think about what's going on," he said. "A lot of them are out of contract at the end of the season and I want quality players.

"Even the ones who are under contract aren't safe. I know what I want and I've said before that I've learnt big-time this year.

"It's great when you're winning but good players are consistent and that's something some of our players haven't got."

Oldham have not won for five matches, six away from Boundary Park. Sheridan's assistant Tommy Wright admits they cannot afford any more mistakes.

"Obviously it's a big, big game at Brighton and we've reached a stage where there's no room for any slipups,"

Wright said.

"We don't have that cushion above the chasing teams any more, so maybe the lads have had a kick up the backside.

"There's a bit of pressure on all the sides at the top but the same goes for clubs in every division, you've just got to handle it better than the others."

Oldham will be depending on defender Neil Eardley to handle the pressure. He was omitted from the final 16 at Crewe but is set to return after a break from League action.

The 18-year-old has made almost 40 appearances this season, establishing himself at right-back with a string of mature displays.

Wright said: "Neal has done fabulously well, especially when you remember he is such a young lad.

"He has had a consistent season but we just thought he looked a wee bit jaded in his last couple of games.

"That was understandable but he'll be in contention on Saturday and hopefully he'll come back nice and refreshed."

There is plenty of experience alongside Eardley in the shape of Sean Gregan and Simon Charlton.

The midfield is spearheaded by Richie Wellens, who was named in the League One team of the year by his fellow pros.

Top scorer Chris Porter, ruled out of the 1-1 home draw against Albion in December by injury, missed the Crewe defeat with a dead leg.

Sheridan and Wright took the unusual step of calling in the first team squad for training on Wednesday, normally a day off.

They no doubt reminded the players of how important it will be to get their noses in front. Oldham have not come from behind to win all season.