Up-and-coming defender Neal Trotman will make his first league start of the season against Northampton Town this afternoon (KO 3pm).

Trotman is preferred to Stefan Stam at centre-back in the absence of injured skipper Sean Gregan, while Andy Liddell comes in for Mark Allott in midfield.

Keeper Marlon Beresford makes his home debut for Athletic -- coverage of the game is live on Latics World from 2.50pm.

Latics line up as follows:

20. Marlon Beresford
2. Neal Eardley (C)
23. Neal Trotman
14. Reuben Hazell
11. Ryan Bertrand
22. Andy Liddell
4. JP Kalala
27. Neil Kilkenny
18. Chris Taylor
10. Craig Davies
7. Michael Ricketts

Subs:
15. Gary McDonald
8. Mark Allott
17. Matty Wolfenden
24. Deane Smalley
6. Stefan Stam

Meanwhile, Northampton boss Stuart Gray has named the following side:

Bunn, Crowe, Jackman, Hughes, Doig (C), Kirk, Burnell, Bradley Johnson, Gilligan, Dowman, Larkin.

Subs: Dunn, Brett Johnson, Jones, Russell, Hubertz.