Cook to make 2 changes – Strongest 4-2-3-1 Wigan XI to face Preston North End in the Championship

Predicted Wigan Athletic line-up to face Preston in the Championship

Wigan Athletic travel to Deepdale to play against Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday.

Wigan are continuing to punch above their weight after the 0-0 draw against Swansea City took them back up to seventh place in the Championship standings.

Preston, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the table with just one win in 11 games. However, they showed signs of some resilience when they held Aston Villa to a highly entertaining 3-3 draw at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Team News

Sam Morsy missed the midweek game due to a slight hamstring strain but could be back for the Preston encounter.

Gavin Massey has had an operation on his hamstring and will be sidelined for 3-4 months, while Dan Burn is nearing full fitness after breaking his foot during pre-season.

Probable Wigan XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Paul Cook

Christian Walton (GK)

Walton has been in fine form for Wigan and will look to continue the same. He is expected to start between the sticks this weekend.

Reece James (RB)

James is the first-choice at right-back for Wigan, having nailed down his place in the team. Fast, agile and industrious, he is a certain starter against Preston.

Chey Dunkley (CB)

Dunkley continues to put in impressive displays at the back for Wigan. He is a crucial member of the squad and will retain his place in the starting line-up.

Cedric Kipre (CB)

Kipre has been excellent for Wigan of late, showing signs of settling down in the Championship after a rough start.

Antonee Robinson (LB)

Robinson has been a consistent performer since joining Wigan on loan from Everton.

Darron Gibson (CM)

Gibson is a hard-working player who has the ability to play those defence-splitting passes from the midfield. The former Manchester United man needs a run of games to get back to his best.

Lee Evans (CM)

Lee Evans should partner Gibson in the middle of the park. He is an influential player whose presence counts a lot for Wigan.

Josh Windass (RW)

Windass is an intelligent player who knows to create space for himself and his teammates. He hasn’t delivered the goods yet but Cook could stick with the former Rangers man.

Nick Powell (CAM)

Powell’s form has dipped slightly but he remains Wigan’s creative engine. He is a certain starter at Deepdale.

Callum McManaman (LW)

Back to full fitness now, McManaman could be handed a start against the basement club, Preston, this weekend.

Read more: Why Wigan could bag gold by signing this £3m Celtic outcast on loan in January

Will Grigg (ST)

Grigg had the chance to win it for Wigan late against Swansea but he failed. However, he could be handed a start ahead of Joe Garner on Saturday.