Paul Cook’s Wigan Athletic side were in scintillating form during midweek, as they recorded their biggest ever win on home turf at the DW Stadium, comfortably brushing aside relegation rivals Hull City. However, ensuring they aren't complacent ahead of their visit to Charlton Athletic is vital, as the battle for relegation in the second tier intensifies.

Birmingham City striker Lukas Jutkiewicz denied Charlton a massive three points on their travels in midweek, with a dramatic equaliser in second-half stoppage time. The Addicks haven’t tasted victory thus far in the month of July and will be keen to get back to winning ways.

Since the restart 

The Latics are currently enjoying their best form of the season, winning five of their six matches since the restart. The club have risen up to 13th position and are 12 points above the drop zone. However, on July 1st, Wigan were placed into administration – being the first club in the top four English divisions to announce this since the financial strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on clubs.

Wigan have steered themselves considerably clear of the drop, therefore diminishing any chance of a 12 point deduction next campaign, however, the EFL will punish the club at the end of the current season, therefore leaving them above the dotted line on goal difference.

Lee Bowyer’s Charlton side restarted with a flourish and were unbeaten in three matches but have since failed to win in their last five outings, scoring just two goals in the process. The poor form has thrown the Addicks back into the heart of the relegation battle, but a victory can ensure survival in their first season back in the division.

Both clubs will have an eye on results elsewhere, as Hull and Luton Town also face off later in the afternoon, in what is another huge game at the bottom.

Favourites ahead of the clash 

The Latics will undoubtedly come into the fixture as big favourites, given their impressive run of form. David Marshall has kept a remarkable 10 clean sheets from his last 11 league matches, with only high flying Brentford managing to break down the resilient defence and ripple the net.

Finding consistency at the other end of the pitch has been Charlton’s problem. They’re the third-lowest scoring side in the division and have scored a worrying four goals in their last 10 league matches.

Previous meetings 

Earlier this season it was Wigan that came out on top when the sides clashed at the DW, with centre-back Cheyenne Dunkley notching both goals for the Latics.

Amazingly, the two sides have only met 11 times in their history, with the Latics edging the wins total of five in their favour, Charlton taking four, with the other two finishing as stalemates.

Players to watch out for 

Firing goals past Marshall in the Wigan net is seemingly very hard to come by at this moment and the Addicks’ front line will have to be at their best if they’re to beat the Scottish shot-stopper, who is certainly the most in-form goalkeeper in the division right now.

When Lyle Taylor announced that he wouldn’t play for Charlton again after the restart, it was always going to be Macauley Bonne that led the line for the Addicks. He’s Charlton’s second top goalscorer this term and has had an impressive first season in the second tier. Bonne is the only Charlton player to score since the season resumed and he’ll be looking to further add to his tally to ensure the club hold onto their Championship status.

 

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