Wigan Athletic host Blackpool in an EFL Trophy Group North match at the DW Stadium on Tuesday evening. The game offers a chance for the Latics to reset after a challenging opening to their League One campaign, where they currently sit 24th with just four points from seven games.
Wigan's recent results have been mixed, with their last five outings yielding one win, one draw and three defeats. They were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wycombe Wanderers in their most recent League One fixture last Saturday. Blackpool also arrive on the back of a defeat, having lost 4-2 at home to Plymouth Argyle on the same day. Their form over the last five games shows one win, one draw and three losses.
The starting line-up from the Wycombe match provides a likely template for selection. That side featured J. Whitworth in goal, with a back four of J. Carragher, F. Burns, M. Fox and J. Mellish. The midfield was anchored by M. Power and Charlie Gray, supporting an attacking trio of F. Murray, J. Weir and R. Walsh, with S. Perkins leading the line.
This Trophy fixture serves as an important opportunity to build confidence ahead of a return to league action. The immediate focus after this game shifts to a trip to face 13th-placed Leicester City on Saturday. The full schedule of upcoming games is available on our fixtures page. A positive result against Blackpool could provide a vital spark as Wigan look to climb away from the League One relegation zone.
