Preview: Fleetwood Town vs. Wigan Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

Wigan Athletic will travel to Highbury Stadium on Tuesday for an EFL Cup first-round tie against Fleetwood Town.

The hosts enter the contest off the back of their first win of the season, while Wigan have drawn their opening two league games.

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Match preview

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Fleetwood's main priority will be to stay clear of the battle at the bottom of League One.

Scott Brown is just beginning his first season as a manager, and the former Celtic midfielder has overseen a victory and a defeat in his opening two games.

The League One campaign started with a 2-1 away defeat to Port Vale, but the Cod Army bounced back with a narrow win over Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.

Ryan Hardie dispatched his spot-kick in the 23rd minute to give Plymouth the lead, but Daniel Batty restored parity only five minutes later before Joe Garner grabbed a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory.

Brown will now take charge of his first EFL Cup tie, where he will attempt to end Fleetwood's four-game winless run in meetings with Wigan.

Wigan, meanwhile, were competing with Fleetwood in the third tier last season, and it proved to be a successful campaign that resulted in the League One title.

Leam Richardson will be content with his side's start to the Championship season, with their opening two matches both ending in draws.

After playing out a goalless draw with Preston North End, the Latics travelled to Carrow Road at the weekend to face Norwich City.

James McClean gave the visitors a half-time lead, but a second-half equaliser from Max Aarons ensured that Wigan had to settle for a point.

Although they are unbeaten this term, Richardson will hope his side can use Tuesday's League Cup tie to pick up their first win of the season.

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Team News

Fleetwood's summer signing Promise Omochere fractured his eye socket in the opening game of the season, and the forward could be out for up to a month.

The hosts will also be without the services of Darnell Johnson, who is currently sidelined with an injury issue.

After coming off the bench to score the winner on Saturday, Joe Garner is expected to be presented with a starting opportunity on Tuesday.

As for Wigan, Jordan Cousins is out with a calf problem, while Jack Whatmough missed the trip to Norwich after he was forced off in the opening league game, and the defender is not expected to be risked for the EFL Cup contest.

Gwion Edwards and Charlie Wyke are nearing returns from their respective injuries, but the pair will not be available on Tuesday.

With at least six games still to play in August, Richardson could rest a number of first-team regulars, which could present the likes of Stephen Humphrys and Tom Pearce with starting opportunities.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:

Cairns; Johnston, Nsiala, Earl, Andrew; Batty, Wiredu, Vela; Lane, Hayes, J. Garner

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Jones; Nyambe, Carragher, Tilt, Pearce; Shinnie, Naylor; Lang, Aasgaard, McClean; Humphrys

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We say: Fleetwood Town 1-2 Wigan Athletic

Although we expect Wigan to make a number of changes to their side, we still think that they have enough quality to edge out their League One opponents on Tuesday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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