The 'David v Goliath' clash kicks-off Latics' Premiership campaign and few are giving the newcomers a prayer.
But with pre-season training well underway and preparations running smoothly, central defender Jackson is in confident mood.
"It's a great fixture to start things off and you need to play teams like Chelsea to see where you're at," he told the Evening Post.
"I don't think Chelsea would have picked us to play for their first game of the season as we'll be really up for it.
"The 4pm live game on Sunday is what it's all about and it will be a match which all the lads here will be busting a gut to be involved in."
Latics' build up to the new campaign saw them fly out to Denmark yesterday for a six-day training camp.
Twice daily sessions are on the menu at their base near Copenhagen, and they'll play behind-closed-doors friendlies against two local teams.
The arrival of the friendly games is something of a relief to the squad after a fortnight of intense fitness work.
Jackson said: "The first two weeks of training are a tough time because it's all about core fitness levels.
"Once you are through them and involved in the games, it gets a little bit more enjoyable and you can start looking forward to the serious matches.
"Now we're back in training, what happened last season is almost forgotten and it's time to look forward.
"You appreciate where last season has brought you to, but it will count for nothing if we don't carry on the good work.
"It's good the new signings have started to come in and they've found we're a close, tight-knit group of lads here who make them welcome.
"With Pascal Chimbonda, it's been a case of trying to remember some of my 'O' level French but he's still given me some funny looks when I've attempted to speak French!
"Fortunately, Emerson Thome speaks about five language so he's translating."
Manager Paul Jewell will continue his transfer hunt from Denmark this week as he attempts to add to the signings of Chimbonda, Mike Pollitt and Ryan Taylor.
A deal for Portuguese centre-half Ze Castro remains in the pipeline while Latics are again linked with Tottenham's Michael Brown.
The former Sheffield United midfielder was one of the first players tipped for a move to the JJB following promotion.
Reports suggest luring Brown away from White Hart Lane would be made easier if Spurs sign Guti from Real Madrid.
It's also being claimed Latics are chasing Romania striker Adrian Neaga who is currently playing in South Korea with Chunnam Dragons.
But with pre-season training well underway and preparations running smoothly, central defender Jackson is in confident mood.
"It's a great fixture to start things off and you need to play teams like Chelsea to see where you're at," he told the Evening Post.
"I don't think Chelsea would have picked us to play for their first game of the season as we'll be really up for it.
"The 4pm live game on Sunday is what it's all about and it will be a match which all the lads here will be busting a gut to be involved in."
Latics' build up to the new campaign saw them fly out to Denmark yesterday for a six-day training camp.
Twice daily sessions are on the menu at their base near Copenhagen, and they'll play behind-closed-doors friendlies against two local teams.
The arrival of the friendly games is something of a relief to the squad after a fortnight of intense fitness work.
Jackson said: "The first two weeks of training are a tough time because it's all about core fitness levels.
"Once you are through them and involved in the games, it gets a little bit more enjoyable and you can start looking forward to the serious matches.
"Now we're back in training, what happened last season is almost forgotten and it's time to look forward.
"You appreciate where last season has brought you to, but it will count for nothing if we don't carry on the good work.
"It's good the new signings have started to come in and they've found we're a close, tight-knit group of lads here who make them welcome.
"With Pascal Chimbonda, it's been a case of trying to remember some of my 'O' level French but he's still given me some funny looks when I've attempted to speak French!
"Fortunately, Emerson Thome speaks about five language so he's translating."
Manager Paul Jewell will continue his transfer hunt from Denmark this week as he attempts to add to the signings of Chimbonda, Mike Pollitt and Ryan Taylor.
A deal for Portuguese centre-half Ze Castro remains in the pipeline while Latics are again linked with Tottenham's Michael Brown.
The former Sheffield United midfielder was one of the first players tipped for a move to the JJB following promotion.
Reports suggest luring Brown away from White Hart Lane would be made easier if Spurs sign Guti from Real Madrid.
It's also being claimed Latics are chasing Romania striker Adrian Neaga who is currently playing in South Korea with Chunnam Dragons.