Wiganvs.Port Vale

The Valiants are languishing in 21st place in the League One table, while the hosts are currently sitting in 12th position.

Match preview

Despite having to deal with an eight-point deduction, Wigan have managed to stay well clear of the drop zone and are in the hunt to secure a top-half finish.

While the Latics can be satisfied with their work this season, they will be frustrated by the fact they have taken just one point from their last two matches.

Wigan played out a 1-1 draw in their most recent home meeting with Burton Albion, before they fell to a loss in Monday's away clash with Cambridge United.

Martial Godo netted his fourth league goal of the season to halve the deficit after Gassan Ahadme had registered a brace, but Danny Andrew's 83rd-minute effort ultimately quashed Wigan's hopes of rescuing a point.

After slumping to a 3-1 defeat at the Abbey Stadium, the Latics will be looking forward to returning to the DW Stadium, where they are unbeaten in five matches since losing to Exeter City on February 10.

Port Vale gave their survival hopes a much-needed boost with consecutive wins over Burton Albion and Bristol Rovers in their final two matches of March.

However, the Valiants were unable to make it three wins from three in Monday's disappointing away meeting with Northampton Town.

Mitch Pinnock and Shaun McWilliams grabbed a goal apiece to condemn Darren Moore's side to a 2-0 loss, representing their sixth defeat in nine away matches.

Although Port Vale remain one point adrift from safety, they do boast a game in hand over Burton Albion, who currently sit just outside the drop zone.

With the Valiants looking to move out of the bottom four, they will be desperate to complete a league double over Saturday's opponents after they recorded a 3-2 victory in December's reverse fixture at Vale Park.

Wigan Athletic League One form:

L

W

L

W

D

L

Port Vale League One form:

L

D

L

W

W

L

Team News

Wigan boss Shaun Maloney should have the majority of his squad available, but he is still unable to call upon Jordan Jones and Josh Stones.

Callum McManaman is in contention to return to the matchday squad after missing the last four matches through injuries.

After making a number of changes to Monday's lineup, Maloney recall Matt Smith, Thelo Aasgaard, Stephen Humphrys and Charlie Kelman.

As for the visitors, they are still expected to be without the services of Mitch Clark, Dan Gore and James Wilson.

Jensen Weir and Conor Grant are both in contention to start after they came off the bench at half-time in Monday's defeat to Cambridge.

Uche Ikpeazu has returned from injury to feature as a substitute in the last two matches, and he could now be considered for a starting spot.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; S Smith, Kerr, Hughes, Chambers; Adeeko, M Smith; Humphrys, Aasgard, Godo; Kelman

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Debrah, Smith, Iacovitti; Sang, Weir, Ojo, Grant; Garrity; Loft, Ikpeazu

We say: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Port Vale

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