Wigan Athletic's relegation battle intensifies as they prepare to face Leicester City on Tuesday night while sitting bottom of League One. The Latics have just seven points from 11 games, a record of two wins and a draw from eight defeats, and are 18 points adrift of the summit after a 2-1 loss at Huddersfield Town last time out. Their recent form shows a pattern of narrow losses, with that defeat at Huddersfield being their fourth in the last five matches, leaving them with a goal difference of minus nine. Their next fixture is this daunting trip to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday 27 October.
Russell Martin, the Leicester manager, has indicated his squad must be ready for changes after a 2-1 defeat to Luton Town on Saturday. "The schedule and result mean changes are likely and the whole squad must be ready," Martin said. His side had named the same starting eleven for three consecutive matches before that loss.
Leicester are set for a defensive reshuffle, with 19-year-old Ilari Kangasniemi expected to make his full debut in a back three. Caleb Okoli was substituted at half-time against Luton and his place is under pressure, while Harry Souttar should retain his spot. In midfield, Will Smallbone is poised for his first start as he replaces the suspended John Lundstram, who was sent off at the weekend. Sammy Braybrooke is tipped to partner him.
Further forward, Liam Cullen is likely to replace Kamari Doyle in attack after scoring off the bench against Luton. Conor Chaplin is back fit and could also feature. The predicted lineup sees Alex McCarthy in goal, with a defence of Kangasniemi, Souttar and Luke Thomas, who may move to left centre-back.
Wigan's position is perilous, with eight defeats already this season from their 11 games. Their recent fixtures show a pattern of narrow losses, including the 2-1 reverse at Huddersfield where Christian Saydee scored a late consolation. This followed a 2-1 defeat at Oxford United on Tuesday 20 October, where Saydee was again the scorer. They have conceded 17 goals while scoring only eight, leaving them with a goal difference of minus nine. Their recent form over the last five games reads two wins and three losses, but they have lost their last two matches consecutively.
The trip to the King Power Stadium represents another tough assignment against a side sitting 13th. Wigan's own team selection will be watched closely, with supporters hoping for a reaction to lift them off the foot of the standings. The club's survival prospects hinge on starting to secure points from such difficult away days. The match kicks off on Tuesday evening.
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