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

At a time when the Welsh side occupy seventh spot in the standings, Wigan have dropped into the relegation zone courtesy of five successive defeats.

Match preview

Having won seven times in nine matches, Russell Martin would have hoped for more of the same when Swansea travelled to Bristol City and Preston North End.

However, his side instead had to make do with just one point, coming from behind to draw at the former, and it leaves Swansea marginally outside of the playoffs.

While there will be disappointment over the outcome of that double-header, Martin will also put everything into context with Swansea in a far stronger position than they were at the end of August.

After failing to prevail in their last three away fixtures, Swansea will be happy to return to their home ground where they have recorded four triumphs in succession.

On each of those occasions, at least two goals have been netted, and Martin will expect that to continue now that Joel Piroe has returned from his suspension.

At a time when Wigan are believed to have issues off the pitch, Leam Richardson's side have nose-dived on it with five defeats in a row.

From appearing to be dark horses for the playoffs, the Latics are now in the relegation zone on the back of Wednesday's 1-0 home defeat against Stoke City.

With just three points separating Wigan to 14th position, Richardson will not be overly concerned by their league position, but Wigan do not look like a side who have a win waiting just around the corner.

Blackpool and Coventry City follow this match ahead of the World Cup, potentially-pivotal games in the context of their season, yet Richardson will only be focused on trying to cause a surprise in South Wales.

Despite losing three away games in succession, Wigan still possess the eighth-best record on their travels in the division.

Swansea City Championship form:

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Wigan Athletic Championship form:

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Team News

With Matt Grimes serving a one-game ban, Martin may choose to use Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Luke Cundle in a deeper position alongside Jay Fulton.

That would allow either Oliver Cooper or Jamie Paterson to return to the side, while changes are expect in defence and at wing-back.

Matthew Sorinola is in line to play on the right flank, while Nathan Wood will hope to feature in the back three.

Wigan will be able to call upon Graeme Shinnie after the midfielder served a one-match ban for five yellow cards.

Jordan Cousins could miss out to accommodate the Scot, and there will likely be changes in attack with Charlie Wyke and Josh Magennis both pushing for recalls.

Swansea City possible starting lineup:

Benda; Cabango, Darling, Wood; Sorinola, Cundle, Fulton, Manning; Cooper, Ntcham; Piroe

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Jones; Kerr, Whatmough, Tilt; Darikwa, Power, Shinnie, Naylor, McClean; Wyke, Keane

We say: Swansea City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Wigan make the long trip to South Wales aware that they can ill-afford to continue along their current run if they wish to avoid a relegation battle. Nevertheless, after two away trips in succession, we are backing Swansea to get back on track at their home ground, starting quickly and seeing out the rest of the contest.

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