Wigan Athletic will attempt to claim a fourth consecutive league victory when they play host to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.
The hosts, who have had eight points deducted this term, currently occupy 19th position in the League One table, while the Addicks head into the midweek encounter in 15th place.
Match preview
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After beginning the League One campaign with a four-game unbeaten run, Wigan experienced a poor run of form, where they lost six out of seven league matches (W1).
However, Shaun Maloney's side have experienced an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks, claiming three consecutive victories via a 2-0 scoreline.
In Saturday's home meeting with Shrewsbury Town, goals from Stephen Humphrys and Callum Lang guided them to all three points against their depleted opponents, who were reduced to 10 men in the fourth minute when former Wigan defender Chey Dunkley was given his marching orders.
While that victory lifted them out of the drop zone, Wigan cannot afford to rest on their laurels, with goal difference separating them from the bottom four.
Tuesday's hosts will be encouraged by the fact that they have won their last two head-to-head games against Charlton, including a 2-1 home win when the two sides last met in February 2022.
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Charlton boss Michael Appleton, who was appointed in early September, enjoyed a successful start to his tenure, winning four and drawing three of his opening seven competitive matches.
However, Appleton is facing his first real challenge as Charlton manager, having seen his side lose back-to-back games.
After succumbing to his former club Lincoln City, Appleton oversaw a 2-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, with the Addicks conceding the two goals in the space of five minutes.
As a result of Saturday's loss, the Addicks are sitting in 15th place and four points above the relegation zone, and their current goal will be to move away from danger and close the eight-point gap to the playoff places.
If they are to start climbing the table, Charlton will have to improve on their travels after failing to win any of their five away league games this season (D2, L3).
Team News
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Wigan remain without the service of midfielder Matt Smith, while there are doubts surrounding the availability of Jason Kerr and Scott Smith.
After coming off the bench to score in both of Wigan's last two matches, Lang could force his way into the starting lineup for Tuesday's clash.
Having scored three goals in his last four appearances, Humphrys will look to continue his fine form when he features in the front three.
As for the visitors, Appleton recently revealed that forward Chuks Aneke could be out for at least a couple of months with a hamstring injury.
Aneke is joined in the treatment room by Harry Isted and Terry Taylor, who are sidelined with knee and ankle problems respectively.
Appleton could decide to make a couple of changes to his side, with Louie Watson and Miles Leaburn in contention to start the midweek encounter.
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Morrison; Sessegnon, Adeeko, Shaw, Jones; Humphrys, Godo, Lang
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:
Maynard-Brewer; T. Watson, Jones, Hector, Thomas; L. Watson, Dobson; Campbell, May, Blackett-Taylor; Leaburn
We say: Wigan Athletic 2-1 Charlton Athletic
Wigan carry significant momentum into the midweek home meeting, and with Charlton struggling to pick up points on the road, we think that the Latics will continue their fine form by claiming another victory on Tuesday.
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