Latics Team News -
The usual suspects will be missing for the hosts as Appleby continues to suffer regular set-backs to his injury and Holden (sicknote) manages to find another injury. Worryingly though, Low appears to be struggling despite making the squad and this might mean lost soul Michael Clegg will possibly fit in on the right. Either that or Duxbury will fit into the middle and Murray will move out to the right. Personally, I'd prefer this over Clegg being put in, as the former Scum player has yet to prove his worth in the reserves to warrant a call up. A bench position would be better, as if things fail to work with Murray on the right, then things can then be altered.
A timely boost for the Latics comes in the form of Baudat being fit, as Hall misses the game through suspension. However, I expect Armstrong will slot back into the defensive meaning Baudet will be cover on the bench. Darren Sheridan should take his spot in the middle as he comes back from a niggling injury.
The biggest bonus though could be Wijnhard. He's been missing since the draw at Vale Park at the start of October and having Wiggy back will be a real boost. With the goalscorers chart standing at 16 goals, Wiggy will be hoping to come back better than before (8 in 8 games) and be looking to climb the charts again. However, the bench will probably be his starting position for this one as this game is a bit too soon for him.
Team News - Cheltenham
Grant McCann is available again for The Robins. McCann, on-loan from West Ham, was denied from playing in Cheltenham's 1st round win against Yeovil, a tough team that's flying high in the Conference.
With results going better of late for struggling Cheltenham, the centre of defence in John Brough and Michael Duff appears to have been the back bone for their improved performances. Cheltenham manager Graham Allner commented earlier this week that he thought the back four and goalkeeper were excellent against Yeovil.
Cheltenham have now only lost 1 in their last 5 games. Up until this run, it hadn't been easy for the visitors as they took 8 games to register a win. It means 2nd from bottom travels to 2nd from top and Allner admits that the Latics are the form side and the team to beat. However, Cheltenham are definitely displaying improved performances under Allner (the man who replaced Steve Cotterill - a man who deserves his fast track into the Premiership, hilariously at the cost of sorry Sjoke).
Unfortunately for them, this upturn hasn't warranted with an improved league position but it has given Cheltenham belief that the 3rd to 2nd division gap can be negotiated and after Burton's draw at Boundary Park, it gives them hope of upsetting the infamous form book.
With the only doubt being Richard Walker's absence, The Robins will be hoping that Tony Naylor can repeat his tricks of last seasons FA Cup and undo the Latics again. Naylor has a habit of tormenting the Latics as do most pint-sized nippy strikers, but Latics fans generally feel that if Naylor plays, Naylor will score one at least. That is something we must learn from and watch out for tomorrow.
Verdict:
The Latics know that with Wigan having a tricky away tie at Brentford, a side that very rarely lose at home, this is an excellent chance to be top at 5'o clock. However, an improvement to the home results which have been jittery this season, needs to be injected into the side now.
A spirited feel does exist around Boundary Park at present despite the odd bad result, and this has been aided with the collective approach through the financial appeals. But this spirited approach needs to continue tomorrow and needs to continue being reflected from through the side from Pogi in net to Andrews upfront. I'm sure it will and the talent we have will shine through in the end. I think we'll make it another win and possibly finish in top spot at 5'o clock.
Latics 3 Tony Naylor (sorry, Cheltenham) 1