Wigan Athletic are reeling from a heavy 4-0 League One defeat to Stockport County as manager Gary Caldwell assesses his squad options. The loss on September 5th leaves the Latics in a precarious 24th place in the table, with just three points from their opening five matches. This squad analysis comes at a critical juncture for the club.

With a record of one win and four losses, the team's recent form reads LWLLL. They have scored five goals but conceded eleven, resulting in a concerning -6 goal difference. The gap to the summit is already significant, with Wigan Athletic trailing league leaders Sheffield Wednesday by nine points. Their next challenge is a daunting away fixture against those same Owls on September 12th.

What does the current Wigan Athletic squad look like?

Gary Caldwell has a pool of 27 players at his disposal as he seeks to turn around the team's fortunes. The squad has a distinctly youthful profile, featuring 15 players who are under the age of 23. This blend of emerging talent and experience will be vital for navigating a difficult period. The club's squad page provides a full breakdown of all personnel, including the five foreign players registered with the team. Building consistency with this group is Caldwell's immediate task.

How has the team performed recently?

The 4-0 reverse at Stockport County is a major setback, but it forms part of a mixed run of results. Looking at the last five matches across all competitions, Wigan Athletic have secured two victories against three defeats, with no draws. This inconsistency has contributed to their lowly league position. The defensive issues highlighted by the eleven goals conceded are a clear area for improvement. Fans can track the team's ongoing performance metrics on our dedicated stats page.

What is the context of their League One season?

The 2026-27 campaign has begun in worrying fashion for the Latics. Occupying 24th spot means they are in the relegation zone, and their points tally of three is a cause for alarm. The upcoming match against Sheffield Wednesday represents a formidable hurdle but also a potential catalyst. A positive result against the top side could provide a massive confidence boost. Supporters will be closely monitoring the standings for any shift in the early-season picture.

Where does the team go from here?

All focus now turns to preparation for the trip to Hillsborough. The fixture on September 12th is not only another game; it's a direct confrontation with the pace-setters. Gary Caldwell must find a way to solidify his defence and use the energy of his young squad. The manager's selections and tactical approach will be scrutinized as Wigan Athletic aim to stop the slide. The full schedule of upcoming matches, including this key clash, is available on our fixtures list. The team's next match is away to Sheffield Wednesday on September 12, 2026.