Wigan manager Gary Caldwell looks set to shuffle his pack for the upcoming match with Blackpool in SkyBet League One.
The Latics’ dreams of returning to Wembley were dashed in penalty shoot-out loss to Barnsley and Caldwell admitted those who came in to the side had done little to persuade him they merited staying there.
Yanic Wildschut started on the bench in that game after nursing a recent hamstring strain and will almost certainly start if fully fit.
Defender Donald Love also may start after extending his loan from Manchester United this week having returned from a thigh injury that kept him out for a month.
Will Grigg and Craig Davies linked up well in a game of few positives and will hope to again provide the attacking impetus against the Seasiders.
“I think we’ve got great options, and the link-up between Craig Davies and Will Grigg for our second goal against Barnsley really impressed me,” said Caldwell.
“We’ve not had too many opportunities to see them both playing together because of injuries and Will’s international duty, but they showed in limited time what they can do.”
Caldwell still seemed undecided on whether or not to risk youngster Love for the game however.
“Donald (Love) hasn’t had a lot of training, so we’ll have to assess him and see whether he can start the game or have a place on the bench.
“It’s great to have Donald, and I think when we’ve seen him play he’s shown his quality.
“He’s great on the ball and he’s been showing that in training this week, so it’s great to have extended his loan, he can be a real asset for us.”
The two teams played just a couple of weeks ago at the DW with the home side running out easy 4-0 winners but Caldwell does not expect an easy game this time around.
“I hope the score is the same as last time, but every game is different,” he said.
“Blackpool are fighting for their lives at the bottom and they made changes on the night we played them in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, so I expect the team to be a lot different from then.
“We’ve found that every game is difficult and in this league you have to fight for everything.
“If you want to win a game you have to play well, but first and foremost you have to match the work rate and endeavour of your opposition.”
Wigan cult-hero Emmerson Boyce may make a return to the club after moving to Blackpool at the start of the season.
“Boycey is a legend at this club and it will be good for the supporters to welcome him back if he plays or if he’s on the bench,” said Caldwell.
“I’m sure they’ll give him a fantastic reception, because he deserves that for the effort he put in over the years and the success he had here at this club.”
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