Wigan Athletic play host to Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will take the club closer to safety in League One.
At a time when the Latics sit in 15th position in the standings, Cambridge are down in 22nd place and seven points adrift of safety.
Match preview
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While Shaun Maloney would have had ambitions to earn a playoff spot before the season started, recent months have been all about avoiding a relegation scrap.
Six points have been required from their last five fixtures to remain seven points clear of the drop zone, suffering just one defeat during that time potentially proving decisive.
Against the odds, the one victory came against playoff-chasing Huddersfield Town, while a goalless draw was earned at Mansfield Town last time out.
Nevertheless, it still was not enough to keep Maloney in a job, the Scot having been removed from his position on Sunday and replaced on a caretaker basis by Glenn Whelan.
Wigan still possess the worst attacking record in the division, scoring just 31 goals in 34 matches, but conceding an average of a goal per game has ensured that they remain within close proximity of mid-table.
However, just five wins have been posted in 17 games at the Brick Community Stadium, with the Latics having the fifth-worst points return in the division.
Meanwhile, Cambridge are hoping that the return of Neil Harris ultimately pays off as they bid to pull off an unlikely revival in the third tier.
Back-to-back 2-0 victories over Stockport County and Crawley Town edged Cambridge closer to safety, but they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Stevenage last time out.
As a result, Harris's side sit seven points behind 20th place with 12 matches remaining, there being increasing desperation when it comes to posting another success.
Although Cambridge posted a victory on their travels in their last such game, it represented just their second such triumph in 17 outings.
Team News
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Whelan may consider freshening up his Wigan XI for this contest with Babajide Adeeko and Jonny Smith pushing for recalls.
Jensen Weir may also come back into contention, but the back four could stay the same courtesy of keeping a clean sheet at Field Mill with James Carragher retaining his spot.
Dan Nlundulu could be restored down the centre of the Cambridge attack as a replacement for Ryan Loft.
While Dom Ballard is also an option, his lack of goals may lead to the teenager remaining among the replacements.
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr, Mellish; S.Smith, Norburn; J.Smith, Darcy, Dale; Taylor
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Bishop; Bennett, Morrison, Watts, Okedina; Kachunga, Stevenson, Digby, Brophy; Stokes; Nlundulu
We say: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Cambridge United
Although Cambridge's resurgence ended in midweek, they still look in better shape under Harris. With that in mind, we feel that they may be capable of earning a share of the spoils in the North-West, albeit a result that will not necessarily help their hunt for survival.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
