Lincoln City return to SkyBet League One action on Saturday, December 9 as they face Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
The Imps come into this game with fresh legs, having not played any minutes since November 28, in a 3-0 win against Cambridge United.
On Tuesday, Lincoln City prepared to face Accrington Stanley in the round of 32 stage of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, however the game was postponed at kick-off due to a frozen pitch.
Opposition: Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic have had many financial issues throughout the past few seasons. The Latics finished bottom of the Championship last season and started the 2023/24 season with an eight-point deduction following the club’s failure to deposit funds to cover their wage bill.
Wigan currently sit 14th in League One, just eight points behind the team visiting them this weekend.
Shaun Maloney’s side have won nine, drawn three and lost seven, in a positive start to the season compared to where some pundits had them ranked.
Team News:
Michael Skubala has said that Reeco Hackett has returned to grass rehab now, after nursing an injury for some time. However, he is still a while off any return to games.
Ben House and Lewis Montsma remain a way off return too, after sustaining long-term injuries.
Possibly the most unfortunate latest news is Tyler Walker’s second setback to his hamstring injury. Skubala told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that: “If we’re honest, we might not see him again this season.”
He added: “[Tyler] has seen a specialist and has had an operation.”
As for Wigan, defender Jason Kerr continues to nurse his cruciate ligament injury, and will miss the game against the Imps.
Played for Both:
Anthony Scully signed for Wigan Athletic on a permanent basis from Lincoln City in 2022. The forward played on 85 occasions for The Imps, netting 25 times in the process, including a goal on his debut in a 4-3 loss to Accrington Stanley.
Scully only went on to play four games for Wigan before signing for Portsmouth at the start of this season.
Head-to-Head:
Wigan Athletic have had more success over the history of this fixture. Of their 29 meetings, the Latics have won 15, with 12 wins for Lincoln and 2 draws.
The first match dates back to 1979, with Wigan winning that game 2-1 in Division Four.
Of the last five meetings, Lincoln have won three, with Wigan winning the other two. All three of Lincoln’s wins ended 2-1, whilst both of Wigan’s ended 3-1.