Preview: Rubin Kazan vs. Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic can go to the top of Group D in the Europa League on Thursday with a victory over Rubin Kazan in Russia.

The Latics currently sit two points behind their opponents in the standings after one win and two draws from their opening three games.

Meanwhile, the hosts can all but book their place in the next round of the competition with a win.

A Nick Powell strike earned Wigan a 1-1 draw when the teams faced each other at the DW Stadium two weeks ago.

Manager Owen Coyle has no injury worries ahead of the match at the Kazan Arena, while Jose Rondon remains sidelined for Rubin with a broken foot.

Recent form

Rubin: WLDLLD

Wigan: WLDDDW

Possible starting lineups

Rubin: Ryzhikov; Kuzmin, Kverkvelia, Navas, Mavinga; Mubarak, Natcho, M'Vila, Karadeniz; Ryazantsev; Mukhametshin

Wigan: Nicholls; Boyce, Barnett, Shotton, Perch; Gomez, Watson, McCann, Powell; Fortune, McManaman

Sports Mole says: 1-0