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

The Robins, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their fine run of form after winning each of their last three matches.

Match preview

Wigan bounced back from consecutive defeats to claim a narrow 1-0 victory in last Saturday's away meeting with Shrewsbury Town.

Matt Smith's second-half effort proved enough to guide the Latics to their sixth consecutive victory in head-to-head matches against Shrewsbury.

As well as seeing his side claim a victory, Shaun Maloney would have been pleased with the fact his team held firm to record a clean sheet after conceding at least two goals in each of their four matches prior to their trip to New Meadow.

The Latics, who have been deducted eight points this term, will head into the weekend in 13th place with an eight-point cushion to the bottom four.

Although they are well set to preserve their League One status, Shaun Maloney's side will be determined to claim maximum points on Saturday after losing their last two home games to Stevenage and Exeter City.

Cheltenham were eight points adrift from safety when they lost to Wycombe Wanderers on February 3, but they have managed to close that gap to just a single point with a three-game winning run.

After keeping clean sheets in wins over Cambridge United and Blackpool, the Robins went on to edged out relegation rivals Port Vale via a 3-2 scoreline.

Darrell Clarke's side came from behind on a couple of occasions thanks to goals from Matty Taylor and Jack Shepherd, before Will Ferry netted the winner to round off a dramatic encounter.

Despite putting together a fine run of form, Cheltenham cannot afford to rest on their laurels, especially as they have room to improve on the road, having scored just nine goals in their 15 away games this season.

The Robins will hope to provide a cutting edge on Saturday as they go in search of their first-ever competitive victory over Wigan after failing to any of their previous five head-to-head meetings.

Wigan Athletic League One form:

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Cheltenham Town League One form:

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Team News

Wigan are likely to be without the services of full-back Steven Sessegnon and midfielder Liam Shaw due to injury issues.

Sean Claire is set to serve a two-match suspension after he picked up his 10 yellow card of the League One season in last Saturday's win over Shrewsbury.

The 27-year-old's absence could present Jonny Smith with the chance to make just his fifth start of the League One season.

As for the visitors, Rob Street remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, while Tom Bradbury is also unlikely to feature after missing the last five matches.

Cheltenham boss Darrell Clarke may be tempted to opt for continuity and select the same lineup that started the win over Port Vale.

Taylor will be looking to continue his impressive form, having scored three goals in four matches since joining the club in the winter transfer window.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; Chambers, Kerr, Hughes; J. Smith, M. Smith, Adeeko, Jones; Godo, Aasgard, Magennis

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Davies, Shepherd, Freestone; Long, Sercombe, Pett, Kinsella, Ferry; Taylor, Lloyd

We say: Wigan Athletic 2-2 Cheltenham Town

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