Wigan Athletic and Exeter City square off on Saturday afternoon looking to make inroads in their efforts to move closer to the League One playoff places.
As it stands, they head into this encounter sitting in 14th and 12th position in the standings respectively.
Match preview
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Tipped to go far in management, Wigan supporters are hopeful that Shaun Maloney is the right man to take the club back into the Championship.
Although the Latics may only be placed in the bottom half of the table, they have kept four clean sheets in their opening seven league matches in 2024-25.
Three of those have come in succession, a 4-0 victory at Bristol Rovers being followed by goalless draws with Lincoln City and Stevenage.
Maloney will no doubt have concerns that all but two of their league goals this season have come in the same match, yet potential has been shown in terms of things eventually clicking in that area.
As it stands, there have been just two goals in the three games that have taken place at the Brick Community Stadium.
Opponents Exeter are managed by someone in Gary Caldwell who has won the FA Cup with Wigan as a player and who started his managerial career at his former club.
The Scot had over three years away from the primary seat in the dugout before taking over at Exeter in 2022, and he has helped establish the Grecians in the third tier.
Wins and clean sheets have been posted over Rotherham United, Bolton Wanderers and Stevenage this season to leave Exeter in the mid-table spots.
Furthermore, Exeter have conceded just six goals in as many matches, possessing the same defensive record as the likes Wrexham and Birmingham City.
Team News
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James Carragher could return to the Wigan XI having been introduced for Luke Chambers at half time of the Stevenage game.
If Joe Hugill shakes off a dead leg, the forward may get the nod over Dale Taylor down the middle of the attack.
Barring any fitness issues, Caldwell could see no reason to tinker with the Exeter side that started the win over Stevenage.
Although Millenic Ali is an option to return in the final third, he may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Carragher, Kerr, Aimson, Chambers; Smith; McManaman, Adeeko, Weir, Thomas; Taylor
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Whitworth; Sweeney, Crama, Yfeko; Niskanen, Woods, Francis, McMillan; Doyle, Aitchison; Magennis
We say: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Exeter City
Despite their inconsistencies, both teams will be satisfied with their form heading into this contest. Taking that into consideration, we feel they could play out a draw in the North West to keep things ticking over.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
