Predicted Wigan line-up to face Middlesbrough in the Championship

Wigan Athletic faces a trip to Riverside as Paul Cook expects his team to bounce back against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The Latics lost 2-1 to Leeds United last weekend despite taking the lead, thanks to a wonderful free-kick from youngster Reece James. However, Paul Cook will be disappointed but not disheartened with the result.

On Saturday, Middlesbrough will offer Wigan Athletic with a different challenge and Cook will hope his boys stand up to it and deliver.

Team News

Sam Morsy will serve his one-game suspension against Middlesbrough after picking up five yellow cards.

Wigan are already without Gavin Massey and Michael Jacobs until the New Year, while Will Grigg could be out for a long time as well.

Meanwhile, Gary Roberts and Nick Powell picked up injuries at Sheffield United and remain doubtful for the Middlesbrough game.

Probable Wigan Athletic XI

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Manager: Paul Cook

Christian Walton (GK)

Walton is Cook’s first-choice goalkeeper and the manager is set to stick with him against Middlesbrough.

Reece James (RB)

Scored a spectacular free-kick against Leeds with what turned out to be his first goal in Wigan colours. That could give James a lot of confidence ahead of the next game.

Cedric Kipre (CB)

Kipre will have to be at his best to stop the Middlesbrough attackers on Saturday.

Dan Burn (CB)

After a couple of performances at left-back, Burn was back to his usual position in central defence against Leeds. He could be in for another start at the weekend.

Antonee Robinson (LB)

Robinson will have to be wary of the Middlesbrough threat from the flanks.

Nathan Byrne (RM)

On the right-hand side of midfield, Byrne could start. He will bring pace and directness to Wigan’s attack.

Darron Gibson (CM)

Gibson is a highly experienced midfielder who keeps the ability to score long-range scorchers. Adept at breaking play as well, the former Manchester United man is a certain starter for the weekend fixture.

Shaun MacDonald (CM)

To replace the suspended Morsy, Shaun MacDonald could get a chance to start alongside Gibson in midfield.

Callum McManaman (LM)

McManaman can pose threat to the Middlesbrough defence with his pace and unpredictability on the ball.

Josh Windass (SS)

Windass will start in the hole behind the striker. He is yet to hit his best form in Wigan colours, though.

Read more: Wigan would be better off signing this 22-year-old Scottish league sensation in the summer rather than January

Joe Garner (ST)

Garner has been in and out of the team this season. With Grigg out injured, he should look to cement his place in the starting XI.