While third-bottom Carlisle United are seeking a sorely-needed first win in eight against play-off chasing Swindon Town, their rivals in the relegation battle are also in action.

Barrow have seen their game at Exeter City called off because of Storm Eunice, but other strugglers are still preparing for big games.

Oldham Athletic, unbeaten in four, will be hoping to overtake Carlisle by beating managerless Bradford City.

John Sheridan: His Oldham side face Bradford (photo: PA)

John Sheridan's resurgent Latics have taken eight points from a possible 12 since his return to the helm.

They are at home to a 12th-placed Bradford side who will be under the caretaker management of Mark Trueman, following this week's sacking of Derek Adams.

Oldham have been hit by an injury blow to Junior Luamba, their matchwinner at Scunthorpe recently - he is out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

Manager Sheridan said: "If we do what we've been doing of late, we've got a good chance of winning the game."

An Oldham win coupled with a Carlisle draw or defeat would see the Latics go past United and leave the Blues in the drop zone.

Defeat for Sheridan's side and a win for Keith Millen's men, though, and the gap between the sides will grow to five points.

Scunthorpe, manager by Keith Hill, take on Rochdale

Bottom side Scunthorpe United, who are six points adrift of Carlisle, are at home against another side still looking over their shoulders - 19th-placed Rochdale.

Keith Hill's Iron have lost eight of their last nine games, while Robbie Stockdale's visitors have won one in their last 13.

Hill insisted: "The pressures, I don't think, are any different to if you were at the top of the league, even though emotionally we get dictated to by the league position. It's an opportunity for the team to start growing."

Colchester, under Wayne Brown, left, go to Northampton (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Fourth-bottom Colchester United, who sit three points above Carlisle, face a tough trip to fourth-placed Northampton Town in agame that kicks off at 2pm.

The Cobblers have put together three straight clean sheets while Wayne Brown's Us have lost just one of their last six after improving under the interim boss.

"We want to win it - the away form has been good," said Brown.

Mark Cooper: touchline ban for Barrow boss (photo: PA)

Fifth-bottom Barrow will now NOT be in action as their trip to third-placed Exeter has been postponed.

Concerns over the impact of Storm Eunice on the Big Bank terrace at St James' Park has seen the game called off.

“While this is a difficult decision, we do not have a sufficient window of opportunity to inspect the high-level structure to confirm if any lasting damage has been done by the persistent high winds," Exeter said in a statement.

“We have tried to ensure that this decision has been made early for everyone’s benefit including Barrow who would be travelling down today."

It means Bluebirds boss Mark Cooper must wait to start an eight-game touchline ban imposed yesterday over alleged comments he made when Barrow and Exeter last met in August.

New Walsall boss Michael Flynn faces Forest Green trip (photo: PA)

Walsall's new manager Michael Flynn faces the toughest test of all in his first game - a trip to leaders Forest Green Rovers.

The Saddlers sit 18th, four points above Carlisle, as they face a home side 14 points clear of the play-off places and who have not lost in the league since October.

Flynn said: "This club should be higher than what it is and I’m confident that I’m the man to take the club forward."

Stevenage, a point higher in 17th, are at home to 11th-placed Bristol Rovers.

Orient boss Kenny Jackett (photo: PA)

Another team on the slide, 16th-placed Leyton Orient, go to 15th-placed Harrogate Town.

Kenny Jackett's Os are seven points above the relgation zone, and five above the Blues, but have picked up just two points from nine winless games.

"We've got edged out in too many games recently and haven't shown enough confidence or, at times, organisation," Jackett said. "We have to have a mentality that battles for our lives."

Other games in the division see Tranmere Rovers host Port Vale, Hartlepool United at home to Sutton United, Nwewport County face Mansfield Town and Salford City against Crawley Town.