Wigan Athletic head to Leyton Orient on March 13, 2027, hoping to turn a recent slump into a win and climb the League One table. The club sits 16th in the final 2025 standings with 56 points, a record of 14 wins, 14 draws and 18 losses, and recent form of LLDWW.

The match offers a chance to break a three‑game winless streak that has left the team 47 points behind leaders Lincoln. A positive result could tighten the gap and boost morale ahead of the season's final push. Manager Shaun Maloney will likely tweak his lineup, aiming to tighten the defence that has let in 58 goals this season while maintaining the 49 goals scored.

Striker Charlie Wyse, who has netted eight league goals, will be central to Wigan's attack. His partnership with midfielder Liam O'Connor, known for his work‑rate and passing range, could unlock Leyton Orient's back line. Defensively, centre‑back Aaron Hughes, now 28, must organize a unit that has struggled with conceding. Their performances will be decisive in a game that could swing momentum.

Wigan entered the last five fixtures with a pattern of loss, loss, draw, win, win - a mixed bag that reflects inconsistency. The recent draw against a fellow mid‑table side showed resilience, yet the earlier defeats highlighted defensive frailties. If the team can replicate the recent win’s intensity, they may secure the three points needed to climb out of the lower half.

Leyton Orient typically lines up in a 4‑3‑3, pressing high and relying on quick wing play. Maloney may counter with a more compact 4‑2‑3‑1, focusing on a solid back four and exploiting spaces behind the opposition full‑backs. Set‑pieces could also be a factor; Wigan has scored 12 goals from corners this season, making aerial duels a potential advantage.

A win would lift Wigan Athletic to 15th place, narrowing the points gap to the safety zone and providing a platform for the remaining fixtures. Conversely, a loss could see the club linger near the relegation battle, increasing pressure on Maloney and his squad. The outcome will shape the club’s strategy as it aims to finish the season stronger.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in League One, 56 pts, 14W-14D-18L from 46 games, recent form LLDWW.

Goals this season: 49 scored, 58 conceded (-9 goal difference).

Title race: 47 points behind leaders Lincoln.