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

Wigan Athletic and Exeter City square off on Saturday afternoon with just one point separating the two teams in the League One standings.

These sides currently sit in 13th and 14th place respectively, with their focus firmly on moving further clear of the relegation zone rather than a late playoff bid.

Match preview

Having started the season with a points deduction, Wigan's best hope of a playoff push was a strong second half to the season having built some momentum.

That has certainly been the case in recent weeks, as nine points have been collected from a possible 12 courtesy of victories against Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United.

Their last success was particularly impressive, defeating a top-four team in Peterborough by initially establishing a three-goal lead before holding on to maximum points with 10 men during the closing stages.

Nevertheless, Shaun Maloney's side still sit a massive 15 points behind sixth position, forcing them to prioritise avoiding a relegation scrap later in the season.

Just seven points separate Wigan to 21st position and Maloney will be eager to overcome the challenge of one of their mid-table rivals in order to create further distance between themselves and the bottom four.

Former Wigan defender and manager Gary Caldwell returns to the DW Stadium having had to ride out a storm in order to remain in the Exeter dugout.

At one stage this campaign, Exeter lost nine times in 10 outings, yet faith was kept in Caldwell and he has since responded by moving the club up the table.

Like Wigan, three wins have come from their last four matches in League One, with triumphs posted over Bristol Rovers, Barnsley and Peterborough respectively.

Exeter have scored just 13 times in 15 away fixtures this campaign, although they make the trip to the North-West having still accumulated 16 points from those matches.

Wigan Athletic League One form:

• D
• D
• W
• W
• L
• W

Wigan Athletic form (all competitions):

• D
• L
• W
• W
• L
• W

Exeter City League One form:

• L
• D
• W
• W
• L
• W

Team News

Wigan will have to make at least two changes with Matt Smith serving a one-match ban and Steven Sessegnon having suffered a muscle injury.

Jason Kerr is expected to feature in the defensive three, with Scott Smith coming back into central midfield.

Stephen Humphreys may have to make do with a spot among the replacements despite providing an assist as a substitute at London Road.

Pierce Sweeney could be restored to the Exeter defence after playing the closing half-hour against Peterborough.

Dion Rankine is also an option at right wing-back, but Caldwell may prefer to keep alterations to a minimum.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Hughes, Goode, Kerr; Clare, S.Smith, Adeeko, Chambers; Godo, Aasgaard; Magnennis

Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Sinisalo; Sweeney, Diabate, Jules; Niskanen, Carroll, Cole, Harper; Aitchison, Harris; Cox

We say: Wigan Athletic 2-1 Exeter City

Both managers will be delighted with their recent form and fully expect another three points to be delivered in this contest. However, we are backing the home side to edge this encounter by the odd goal in three, potentially through a late goal.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

ID:536214:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10529:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!