Preview: Wigan Athletic vs. Rubin Kazan

Owen Coyle's Wigan Athletic have surprised many people in the Europa League so far this term, having collected four points from their opening two matches against SV Zulte Waregem and NK Maribor.

Next up on Thursday are Rubin Kazan, who top the group with maximum points from their first couple of outings.

However, a victory for Coyle's team at the DW Stadium would see them leapfrog their Russian visitors.

The Scottish boss could call upon Grant Holt to lead his attack, while Chilean winger Jean Beausejour may also come into the starting lineup.

As far as the away side are concerned, French international Yann M'Vila is expected to start in the midfield, while Israeli Bibras Natkho is likely to feature in an advanced role.

Rubin have previously competed against two English clubs and have won half of their four matches against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Recent form

Wigan: WLLWWL

Rubin: LDLWWL

Possible starting lineups

Wigan: Carson; Boyce, Barnett, Shotton, Perch; Beausejour, Watson, Powell, Gomez, McClean; Holt

Rubin: Ryzhikov; Navas, Kuzmin, Marcano, Mavinga; Karadeniz, Ryazantsev, M'Vila, Torbinski, Natcho; Mukhametshin

Sports Mole says: 1-2