Fleetwood return to league action on Saturday as they to high flyers Wigan Athletic, 3pm kick off.
The league leaders come into the game at the DW Stadium two points clear of second place after an impressive season so far. Last time out, they drew with AFC Fylde in the FA Cup second round last Friday.
Fleetwood’s chances are boosted by a 2-0 midweek victory over Chesterfield which saw them march into the next round of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Uwe Rosler said…
“We’re looking at where we can cause them problems, but I’m very optimistic that we can do that against a good footballing side.
“Paul Cook is the manager now and he has a track record of winning promotion with his sides. He won last season with Portsmouth and is with a club with the best budget.
“They’re going in the right direction and are one of the favourites to get promotion this season.
“People are not giving us a chance of winning tomorrow, but we are always a surprise. It was important to win on Tuesday.”
Wigan boss Paul Cook said…
“Without it being a derby match, it’s a good local game for both sets of supporters, much like when we play Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and teams like that.
“There’s always a special ingredient and with Uwe (Rosler) coming back having formerly managed the club it adds that bit of extra spice to the game. Rob Kelly is there as well who I played with at Wolves and he’s a great lad, so I’m looking forward to the game.
“It’s such a long campaign. People get high really quickly and low just the same, but the most important thing for us is to keep going. It seems like ages since we played at Rotherham, but we concentrate on Fleetwood first, that’s the main priority and then we can start talking about the cup replay.”
The Form Guide
Wigan have lost just once in 10 league games – 2-1 to Bradford City last month, and only been beaten three times in the whole campaign.
Last Five (league): WDLWW
We’ve Met Before
The Latics won both previous meetings between the two sides, which took place in the 14/15 season. The match at the DW Stadium ended 2-1 to the hosts as Michael Jacobs and Jordan Flores scored, before Tyler Hornby-Forbes grabbed a consolation for Town.
It finished 3-1 at Highbury after goals from Andy Kellett, another from Jacobs, and one for current Cod Jordy Hiwula. The two also met in a pre-season friendly in July 2016 which finished 4-3 to the Latics. Despite David Ball’s brace on the day for Town, the side lost out thanks to a Michael Jacobs free-kick from 20-yards
The One To Watch
Former Manchester United man Nick Powell is Wigan’s top scorer this season with 7 goals, and is a player Fleetwood should be wary of on Saturday. Powell’s career blossomed with Crewe Alexandra’s academy before making a name for himself at Gresty Road. What followed was the big move to Old Trafford, scoring one goal for the first team – coincidentally against Wigan – before being loaned out to the DW Stadium. Loan spells at Leicester City and Hull City followed before Wigan made his move permanent this summer.
What The Bookies Say
League Partner Sky Bet have released their odds ahead of Saturday’s game.
Wigan are 1/2 favourites to win, while a draw can be selected at 3/1. If you think Town will win, Sky Bet have the odds at 6/1.
Jordy Hiwula to score the opening goal and Town to win 2-1 has odds at a whopping 95/1, while the odds for a Powell opener and a 2-1 home win is 22/1.
For Town to repeat their 2-0 win from midweek is priced at 40/1.
A full list of odds can be found on the Sky Bet website.