Notts County start the new year with the same objective. National League promotion.
The Magpies have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2022/23 campaign, sitting top of the table after the halfway stage of the season and enjoying a 15-game unbeaten run in the league since their only defeat of the season to Dorking Wanderers back in September.
Luke Williams' side have scored 63 goals already this season, with Kyle Cameron making it 14 different scorers for Notts this season as they look to continue where they left off in 2022.
READ MORE: Luke Williams highlights importance of Oldham fixture as busy January looms
Notts currently boast the best away record in the division too, picking up 27 points on the road with the aim of adding to that tally with four tough away fixtures in January.
It's a case of stick or twist for the Notts boss this weekend, with the proposition of playing a second game against the same opposition in the space of under a week.
The second-half display from the Latics will provide encouragement after conceding four in the opening 45 minutes, with Williams eluding to possible changes to try and kickstart the new year with a win.
Williams confirmed in his pre-match preview of the game at Boundary Park that striker Macaulay Langstaff is "ready to play" following the injury he sustained in Notts 2-0 win over former side Gateshead.
The 21-goal forward has been a revelation since joining the Magpies in the summer, but Notts proved that they can function without their talisman, scoring four in their most recent fixture with the Latics.
While many would like to see him return straight back into the starting line-up, his former Gateshead team-mate Cedwyn Scott stepped up to the task and lead the line against David Unsworth's side, netting twice to take his tally for the season into double figures.
His performance showcased his talents that have been restricted to substitute appearances of late, and believe it would be harsh to drop the 24-year-old on Sunday afternoon.
With Langstaff's inclusion this weekend, that would mean fellow striker Kairo Mitchell would drop out of the matchday squad. His introduction on Boxing Day was his first appearance in four matches but failed to make an impact on proceedings as his frustrations continue in front of goal.
The midfield of Matty Palmer, Ed Francis, and Sam Austin stood out at Meadow Lane, with the trio providing composure and intensity to great effect to nullify the Oldham attacks.
While John Bostock provided that touch of class in the final 20 minutes along with Quevin Castro's dynamism further forward, the midfield options at Williams' disposal would not weaken the middle of the park should he look to alter his team selection.
Williams was also able to provide an injury update on defender Connell Ralwinson who has not featured for the Magpies since their 2-0 win over Eastleigh back in November.
The Notts boss revealed that the 31-year-old was "ahead of schedule" in his rehabilitation, but explained a return on New Year's Day would come too soon for the experienced defender.
While Geraldo Bajrami can operate as part of the back three, you feel that the centre-back is the only position the Magpies are light in, so his return to the squad will be timely when January comes around.
Would you make any changes from Boxing Day? Let us know in the comments!
Notts predicted line-up: Slocombe; Cameron, Baldwin, Brindley, Chicksen, Nemane; Palmer, Francis; Austin, Rodrigues, Scott.
SUBS: Adebayo-Rowling, Bajrami, Bostock, Castro, Langstaff.
