Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City meet on Saturday afternoon with both clubs needing victories in the mid-table positions of League One.
At a time when the home side sit in 16th place in the standings, Lincoln are 11th, with just five points separating the two teams.
Match preview
© Imago
Having struggled for goals all season, it is fair to say that Wigan's solitary focus is on ensuring that they do not get pulled into a relegation scrap.
Two wins across their last four games has ensured that a nine-point gap has been created between the Latics and a resurgent Burton Albion in 21st place.
Wigan have recently recorded victories over Stevenage and Bristol Rovers, but a 1-0 reverse at Peterborough United in midweek has slowed down some of their momentum.
Heading into their final league game for two weeks, Shaun Maloney's side have the chance to move themselves closer to the safety of the mid-table spots.
Sitting just eight points adrift of the top 10, Maloney will feel that a win here could act as the catalyst for a surge towards that position.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Lincoln have gotten themselves back into a position where they are just six points adrift of the playoff places after a poor run of form.
Back-to-back victories over Northampton Town and Peterborough United ensured that any pressure on Michael Skubala's job eased to a certain extent.
However, losing 2-0 at home to Blackpool in their most recent fixture has left the Imps with plenty of work to do if they are to remain in contention for the top six.
At a time when Wigan have only scored 12 goals in 13 home matches, Lincoln have netted just 13 strikes in 14 away encounters.
Team News
© Imago
Maloney is expected to make changes to his Wigan XI, Callum McManaman back in contention again having missed three weeks through injury.
Jon Mellish and Jonny Smith are also options in defence and midfield respectively, while Harry McHugh is also pushing for a first start in attack.
James Collins could be brought into the Lincoln attack after Ben House needed to be withdrawn shortly before half time versus Blackpool.
Jovon Makama is also pushing for a start in the final third, although Skubala may be against making too many changes with a two-game winning streak preceding the Seasiders defeat.
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Sibbick, Carragher, Kerr, Mellishn; Hungbo, Smith, Norburn, Thomas; McHugh, Taylor
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Jeacock; Jackson, O'Connor, Roughan; Erhahon; Darikwa, McGrandles, Bayliss, Jefferies; Makama, Draper
We say: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Lincoln City
While Wigan may view this contest as a must-not-lose, the visitors will see it as a must win. Taking that into consideration, we can see a low-scoring draw on the cards, the home side being far the happier as they edge away from the relegation zone.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
