Predicted Wigan Athletic line-up to face Reading in the Championship
Wigan Athletic will resume their Championship duties when they host Reading at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
Four back-to-back defeats have disrupted Wigan’s momentum a bit, resulting in the team slipping to 16th place in the table.
Paul Cook will hope Wigan Athletic end their four-game winless run against Reading, who find themselves at 20th place in the table, four points adrift of Saturday’s hosts.
Team News
Antonee Robinson suffered an ankle injury in the international break and has been ruled out for four weeks. The defender will join the likes of Will Grigg, Chey Dunkley and Michael Jacobs on the treatment table.
Probable Wigan Athletic XI
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Manager: Paul Cook
Christian Walton (GK)
Walton has been Cook’s No.1 choice in goal. He is expected to keep his place in the team against Reading.
Reece James (RB)
Reece James has been a consistent performer for the Latics. He will start the game at right-back.
Cedric Kipre (CB)
Kipre needs to step up his game and be counted in the defence following Dunkley’s surgery to treat a knee problem.
Alex Bruce (CB)
With Dunkley set to be out for a significant period of time, Bruce could finally get a run of games in central defence.
Dan Burn (LB)
Burn has played at left-back before and would slot in seamlessly in that role following Robinson’s injury.
Darron Gibson (CM)
Gibson is a feisty character who is adept at tackling and interceptions. He needs to start putting in consistent displays to nail down a regular place in the team.
Lee Evans (CM)
Evans has put in consistent displays for Wigan this term. He should partner Gibson in Wigan’s engine room.
Nathan Byrne (RM)
Byrne provides width down the right flank for the Latics. A highly energetic player, he will look to cause troubles to the shaky Reading backline.
Callum McManaman (LM)
On the left flank, it could be Callum McManaman. He would bring in a lot of pace, energy and liveliness to the Wigan attack. He could be devastating on his day and hence, the Reading defenders should try to keep him at bay.
Josh Windass (SS)
Windass is a clever operator of the ball and has the ability to pick out a pass. He will look to drop a bit deep to create opportunities for his teammates.
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Nick Powell (ST)
Leading Wigan’s line should be Nick Powell, who has four goals and as many assists this season.
