Wiganvs.Wycombe

In sharp contrast, the home side are struggling to keep themselves out of trouble, holding just a three-point advantage above the relegation zone.

Match preview

Having started the campaign with matches against Wrexham and Birmingham City, Wycombe fans would have accepted that beginning with two defeats was a realistic outcome.

What they would not have foreseen is Matt Bloomfield's side putting together an 11-match unbeaten run that has taken the Chairboys to the top of the standings.

Their only two draws during that period have come at Blackpool and Barnsley, Wycombe having generally been running riot in the final third of the pitch.

An incredible 31 goals have been scored in 13 games, including five that came in the demolition of Stockport County on away territory in midweek.

That was a statement performance and result to the chasing pack as they extended their winning streak in the third tier to five games.

Shaun Maloney would have had ambitions of putting together his own promotion campaign at Wigan, only to be scrapping for points at the other end.

Despite conceding just 11 goals in 13 matches, the Latics find themselves in 19th position and having prevailed only three times.

After a three-game winless run in the league, Maloney will hope that the 2-0 victory at Carlisle United in the FA Cup first round last weekend will kick-start their season.

However, with two of the three goals that they have conceded in league matches at the Brick Community Stadium coming in the 2-1 reverse to Mansfield Town on October 22, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to withstand an attack that is oozing confidence such as Wycombe's.

Wigan Athletic League One form:

D

W

D

L

L

D

Wigan Athletic form (all competitions):

D

W

L

L

D

W

Wycombe Wanderers League One form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Wycombe Wanderers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Scott Smith and Jonny Smith both came off the substitutes' bench to score Wigan's extra-time goals against Carlisle in the FA Cup.

However, with just two starts between them in League One this season, they are unlikely to be provided with opportunities here.

Calvin Ramsey and Silko-Amari Thomas could be recalled at right-back and on the left flank respectively, but Luke Chambers, Jensen Weir and Callum McManaman remain as injury doubts.

Barring any unforeseen injury issues, Bloomfield may see no reason to tinker with his Wycombe XI for this contest.

Five of his star men were rested during the closing stages at Stockport, keeping them relatively fresh for this game.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; Ramsey, Kerr, Sibbick, Sessegnon; Francois, Rankine, M.Smith, Aasgaard, Thomas; Taylor

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Ravizzoli; Pattenden, Low, Taylor, Harvie; Morley, Scowen; Onyedinma, Humphreys, Udoh; Kone

We say: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers

When a team has been as strong as Wigan in defence, they will always have a chance of upsetting the odds. Nevertheless, we cannot see past another win for the visitors, albeit having to work far harder than they did earlier in the week.

Previews by email