Preview: Wigan Athletic vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the visitors occupy seventh spot in the standings, Wigan are down in 16th position after suffering successive defeats for the first time this season.

Match preview

In usual circumstances, losing six of your opening 13 league games at a new club would lead to pressure, but that is not the case when it comes to Blackburn Rovers head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.

The Dane has guided his side to victory in the other seven games, the latest occasion coming on Saturday as Rovers recorded a 3-0 victory over Rotherham United.

Blackburn now sit three points off top spot, albeit in seventh place, and there is growing optimism that they can sustain a promotion push, unlike last year.

Tomasson's side have not recorded consecutive wins since August 14, yet the faltering teams above them have given the North-West outfit an opportunity to move quickly up the table.

Ben Brereton Diaz has netted seven of their 16 goals, the Chile international contributing a double against Rotherham at the weekend.

In sharp contrast, Wigan appear to be on a downward trajectory after losing three of their last four matches in the second tier.

Leam Richardson would have had high hopes of claiming points from fixtures against Hull City and Cardiff City, but consecutive defeats have left the Latics down the table.

Their home form has been the issue, Wigan yet to win in six matches at the DW Stadium and scoring just four goals during those fixtures.

On the plus side, Richardson's side have failed to net in just two of their 12 league fixtures this campaign, something which will not be lost on their upcoming opponents.

Wigan Athletic Championship form:

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Blackburn Rovers Championship form:

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Team News

Despite having scored Wigan's consolation against Cardiff, Charlie Wyke may drop down to the substitutes' bench after completing 90 minutes for the first time this season.

Nathan Broadhead could take his place in attack, and further changes are expected with Curtis Tilt and Tom Naylor both pushing for recalls.

Max Power, an ever-present in the starting lineup this campaign, is one yellow card away from a suspension.

Despite the quick turnaround, Tomasson may be prepared to name the same side which performed impressively against Rotherham.

Tyrhys Dolan is most likely to come into the team if there is an alteration, potentially in place of Sam Gallagher.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Amos; Kerr, Whatmough, Tilt; Darikwa, Power, Naylor, McClean; Keane; Magennis, Broadhead

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Kaminski; Hyam, Ayala, Wharton, Hedges, Travis, Morton, Pickering; Szmodics; Gallagher, Brereton Diaz

We say: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Blackburn Rovers

Given their recent results, a derby showdown has perhaps come at the right time for Wigan. However, despite the inconsistency of the visitors, we feel that their superior quality in the final third will see them secure a hard-fought win.

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