Charltonvs.Wigan

At a time when the Addicks sit in fourth position in the League One table, the visitors are in 15th place and with a new head coach at the helm.

Match preview

While the perception has been that there are only two clubs battling it out for second place behind Birmingham City, Charlton have now entered the conversation.

With Wycombe Wanderers and Wrexham both dropping points in recent weeks, Nathan Jones's side accumulated 13 points from their most recent five matches.

As well as a goalless draw coming at rivals Stockport County, wins have also been recorded against Exeter City, Leyton Orient, Barnsley and Crawley Town.

In the long term, the Addicks have earned nine wins from their last 12 games in the third tier, ramping the pressure up on the two teams directly above them.

Charlton are currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak at The Valley, including prevailing in their last six games at their London base.

Meanwhile, Wigan are beginning a new era under Ryan Lowe after the former Preston North End boss was appointed as the club's new head coach earlier this week.

Lowe arrives at the Latics with interim boss Glenn Whelan having guided the club to four points from his two games in charge, a potentially-vital contribution when Wigan needed lifting.

After a goalless draw was earned at Mansfield Town, Wigan battled their way to a 1-0 triumph over Cambridge United to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

With Lowe being handed a three-and-a-half-year contract, he will clearly be given time to rebuild the squad next season, but he will want Wigan to earn the two or three wins that are required to guarantee their status in this division for another 12 months.

Charlton Athletic League One form:

L

W

W

W

D

W

Wigan Athletic League One form:

D

D

W

L

D

W

Team News

After three clean sheets in a row, Jones may look to retain the same Charlton XI for this game.

However, a decision will need to be made on Josh Edwards who sustained a minor groin injury at Crawley, while Greg Docherty is available again after missing the last fixture due to his partner giving birth.

Tom McIntyre is an option to replace Edwards, with Karoy Anderson's place in central midfield at risk.

Lowe may be against overly tinkering with the Wigan starting lineup given the minimal time that he has to work with his new squad.

Owen Dale may return to replace Ronan Darcy, while Luke Robinson may get the nod over Luke Chambers after his goal as a substitute versus Cambridge.

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:

Mannion; McIntyre, Jones, Gillesphey; Ramsey, Coventry, Anderson, Small; Gilbert; Leaburn, Campbell

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr, Robinson; Adeeko, Norburn; Smith, Mellish, Dale; Taylor

We say: Charlton Athletic 2-1 Wigan Athletic

With Lowe now in charge of Wigan, they could surprise a few during the closing stages of the campaign. However, we feel that Charlton will have too much quality, particularly at the Valley, as they look to take another step towards securing a top-six spot.

Written by

Darren Plant

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