Wigan Athletic play host to Reading on Saturday afternoon as one of only five teams who have only suffered one defeat in the Championship this season.
However, despite the Latics recording three fewer defeats than their next opponents, Reading sit in fourth position in the standings.
Match preview
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With 15 points being recorded from nine matches, Reading have already exceeded expectations after their near miss with relegation in 2021-22.
Nevertheless, there are times when the Royals look extremely vulnerable, as shown in three defeats which have come by at least a three-goal margin.
Paul Ince would have had high hopes for three points when hosting Sunderland in midweek with his side having previously posted four successive wins at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Reading were well beaten, however, with the Black Cats running out 3-0 victors, leaving them with one of the worst defensive records in the division.
The Berkshire outfit have also scored just once on their travels this campaign, something which is far from ideal ahead of facing an impressive Wigan unit.
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Leam Richardson's came through their opening six fixtures with just one win to their name, but suffering just one defeat was the most important statistic.
Since then, victories have been posted at Luton Town and Huddersfield Town - two of last season's playoff teams - and it highlights the level of job that Richardson continues to do at the North West outfit.
Wigan have also played one match fewer than the majority of the teams above them, while half of the 10 goals that they have conceded came in one match.
Three of Wigan's last four strikes have come in the final 10 minutes of games, a suggestion that they could emerge as one of the fittest sides in the division.
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Team News
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Barring any injury issues, Richardson will see little reason to make any changes to his Wigan XI.
Much will depend on whether first-choice goalkeeper Ben Amos is able to return after suffering from back spasms, with Jamie Jones ready to deputise again if he is ruled out.
Nathan Broadhead and Charlie Wyke, who has recently made his return after a long-term absence, will have to remain patient in their bid to earn their first starts of the campaign.
Baba Rahman will be considered for a start at left wing-back after Reading were comfortably beaten earlier this week.
The Ghana international may be one of several alterations made by Ince with Yakou Meite potentially coming into contention for a start after proving his fitness against Sunderland.
Having not been risked after illness in that game, Shane Long could return to the substitutes' bench.
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Jones; Nyambe, Whatmough, Tilt, McClean; Power, Shinnie; Lang, Keane, Aasgaard; Magennis
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre; Yiadom, Hendrick, Loum, Rahman; Ince; Meite, Joao
We say: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Reading
Despite the difference in league positions, it is Wigan who currently have the momentum and deserve to be regarded as favourites for this contest. However, we feel that Reading will be able to bounce back with a share of the spoils, their first of the campaign.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
