Preview: Birmingham City vs. Wigan Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

While the hosts have taken just a point from two Championship games since going out of the EFL Cup, their visitors are yet to taste victory since winning promotion from League One.

Match preview

Looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Cardiff, Tuesday night's visit of Watford represented a chance for Birmingham City to get their second win of the season on the board, as Troy Deeney led them out out against his former club.

After Deeney's strike-partner Scott Hogan played in George Hall to score after 19 minutes, Birmingham kept the lead until just after the hour-mark, but ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 home draw.

Despite any frustration, Blues boss John Eustace still found time to praise Hall, an England Under-18 international, for finding the net in only his second career start, but will be concerned that Leeds United are already circling the teenage midfielder.

Given their well-documented issues off the pitch, many expect the Midlands club to be embroiled in another scrap to avoid relegation this year, after finishing 20th last term, though they remain unbeaten at St Andrew's so far this term.

Birmingham also fought back from behind to draw 2-2 with Norwich in the EFL Cup earlier this month, before succumbing on penalties, but goals have been at a premium despite the presence of such an experienced front pair.

Following promotion as League One champions in May, Wigan's return to the second tier has not gone entirely to plan, as after playing out successive draws in their first three matches, their most recent fixture was frustratingly postponed.

Coventry City controversially called off the Latics' midweek trip to the Midlands due an 'unsafe' pitch, so Leam Richardson's side have been able to concentrate on training since their game against Bristol City last Saturday.

On that occasion, Wigan fought back from a goal behind to secure a 1-1 result, but like Birmingham, their hopes of a fast start in the Championship have been hampered by a lack of firepower up front.

Previously eliminated from the EFL Cup by former League One rivals Fleetwood Town without scoring, the need for Richardson to strengthen his squad to survive at the higher level became all the more apparent.

After recording just two goals in four competitive matches this term, Ashley Fletcher has been brought in to aid Wigan's existing forwards - alongside recent debutant Nathan Broadhead - and the pair will aim to make an early impact on Saturday.

Birmingham City Championship form:

Birmingham City form (all competitions):

Wigan Athletic Championship form:

Wigan Athletic form (all competitions):

Team News

With his squad still weakened by a long injury list, Birmingham manager John Eustace may be tempted to rotate his remaining resources after a tough test against Watford in midweek.

Jordan Graham, Marc Roberts and Nico Gordon are not expected to return until next month, while Harlee Dean is out with a calf injury suffered in pre-season; Gary Gardner and Krystian Bielik remain sidelined too.

Nonetheless, highly-rated George Hall should continue in the hosts' midfield three, with Lukas Jutkiewicz and Jonathan Leko hoping to force their way into the side up front.

Meanwhile, Wigan may have signed Ashley Fletcher from Watford on a season-long loan deal, but the ex-Middlesbrough striker is expected to be short of match fitness given a lack of first-team action in recent months.

Earlier this week, Fletcher became Leam Richardson's sixth summer addition to the squad, following fellow forward Nathan Broadhead to the club, and the latter will hope to start after appearing from the bench last week.

Standing in their way is the old guard, led by Josh Magennis, while Will Keane provides the visitors's greatest threat in the final third, having fired them to promotion with 26 league goals last season.

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:

Ruddy; Colin, Sanderson, Trusty; Williams, James, Hall, Bacuna, Placheta; Hogan, Deeney

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Amos; Darikwa, Whatmough, Kerr, Bennett; Power, Naylor; Lang, Keane, McClean; Broadhead

We say: Birmingham City 1-1 Wigan Athletic

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