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

Wigan Athletic will host Birmingham City at the DW Stadium on Saturday, hoping to arrest a worrying run of only one win in nine matches.

The Latics suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against basement boys Ipswich Town last weekend. Despite suffering their second consecutive defeat on Saturday, Wigan Athletic remained in 16th place with 25 points.

Birmingham City, meanwhile, are tenth in the table and come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Team News

Gavin Massey and Chey Dunkley gave Wigan a double-injury boost last weekend by returning to the side as unused substitutes for the Ipswich game. Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson, Michael Jacobs and Nick Powell remain sidelined with injuries.

Probable Wigan Athletic XI

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Manager: Paul Cook

Christian Walton (GK)

Walton will be determined to keep a clean-sheet against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Reece James (RB)

James has nailed down his place at right-back under Paul Cook. He is expected to start at the weekend.

Cedric Kipre (CB)

Strong as a nail, Kipre will look to keep the Birmingham attackers at bay.

Chey Dunkley (CB)

Dunkley has recovered from his injury and could partner Kipre at the heart of the Wigan Athletic defence.

Dan Burn (LB)

With Dunkley expected to start, Burn could find himself stationed at left-back for the Birmingham game.

Nathan Byrne (RM)

Byrne’s pace and trickery could give the Birmingham defenders a torrid time.

Lee Evans (CM)

Evans is a solid midfielder whose energy and work rate makes the whole team tick.

Sam Morsy (CM)

Morsy is a combative midfielder who rarely gives space for his opponents to breathe.

Gary Roberts (LM)

Roberts is a tireless worker and will look to penetrate the Birmingham backline with his passes.

Josh Windass (SS)

Windass is excellent at linking up the play and with his close control, he creates space for himself as well as his teammates.

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Will Grigg (ST)

Grigg could lead Wigan’s attack on Saturday and the diminutive Northern Irishman will look to get on the scoresheet.