Preview: Northampton Town vs. Wigan Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

The Latics are currently trying to push away from the relegation zone, meanwhile, the hosts are focusing on placing pressure on those teams in the playoff positions.

Match preview

With only one loss in their previous six League One matches, Northampton have showcased brilliant consistency which has led to the club climbing up the league table to be in contention for a playoff place.

While there is still seven points between them and Barnsley at the moment, if the Cobblers can maintain their recent form then they could put themselves in contention for securing promotion this season.

Northampton have won consecutive matches heading into this weekend, the most recent of which was a resilient 1-0 win against Cheltenham Town with a Kieron Bowie penalty proving to be the difference maker.

Jon Brady will want to see more attacking quality from his squad moving forward because the Cobblers are the only team in the top 10 with minus goal difference, which could be crucial due to how tight the division is at the moment.

However, a stronger performance from Northampton than when they previously faced Wigan will be required as they suffered a 2-1 loss when the two teams met earlier this season.

That was one of 10 victories that the Latics have secured throughout this campaign so far, and considering only the top nine teams in the division boast more wins than them it is surprising to many fans that they are in a relegation battle.

However, with 10 defeats and five draws Wigan have proven to be wildly inconsistent, which is why there is pressure on the team heading into every game at the moment.

The Latics are currently just four points above the relegation zone, which is something that their overall performances perhaps do not deserve, but a more ruthless edge will be required to dig them out of this situation.

While Shaun Maloney's men gave a good account of themselves in the FA Cup third round, the squad is still heading into this game in a bid to get back to winning ways following the 2-0 loss against Manchester United.

That was Wigan's second game in a row without a win, and with only one victory in their previous seven matches in all competitions there is pressure growing on the squad to start providing results.

Northampton Town League One form:

W

D

W

L

W

W

Wigan Athletic League One form:

D

L

L

L

W

D

Wigan Athletic form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

D

L

Advert - content below:

Team News

Bowie is expected to keep his position for the Cobblers this weekend after scoring his sixth goal of the season during their last outing from the penalty spot.

However, Brady will be forced into making one major change to his starting lineup as goalkeeper Max Thompson has returned to Newcastle United following his loan spell in League One, which should allow Lee Burge to come back into the team.

The visitors are currently dealing with several injury problems a the moment with Tom Pearce set to miss out on this match, meanwhile Stephen Humphrys and Scott Smith are also doubts even though they are expected back sooner than later.

Maloney has confirmed that Jason Kerr is fit enough to be in the squad this weekend, while Matt Smith is waiting on a late fitness decision to determine if he can travel, which should add a major boost.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; McGowan, Guthrie, Sherring, Brough; McWilliams, Sowerby, Leonard; Pinnock, Simpson, Bowie

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon; Shaw, Adeeko; McManaman, Lang, Godo; Magennis

We say: Northampton Town 2-0 Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic have struggled throughout this season, and while they have been capable of providing a big upset at times this fixture could be a tough one to achieve another.

Considering the strong performances that Northampton Town have put on this season, the Cobblers will not be expecting to slip up here as they attempt to push towards the playoff positions.

Previews by email