Preview: Wigan Athletic vs. Hull City - prediction, team news, lineups

Wigan Athletic play host to Hull City with the opportunity to move 12 points clear of the Championship relegation zone, the margin required to avoid the drop when their points deduction for entering administration is enforced.

Meanwhile, while the Tigers head into the contest in 22nd position, victory has the potential to leave them a further win away from guaranteeing their place in the second tier for another season.

Match preview

Since it was confirmed that they face a mandatory points deduction for entering administration, Wigan have recorded four points from games against Brentford, Queens Park Rangers and Barnsley.

Although their form has dropped off significantly on the back on a nine-match unbeaten streak, Paul Cook will be delighted that his players have responded with results which keeps their fate in their own hands.

As it stands, Wigan effectively sit in last spot, three points adrift of safety, but getting the better of their next opponents will ensure that they edge ahead of the Tigers on goal difference.

With a showdown against Fulham on the final day of the season still to come, there is a feeling that Wigan have to take advantage of this game if they want to survive in the Championship based on their on-field results.

While they could only register a goalless draw at Barnsley on Saturday, the result saw Wigan record their ninth clean sheet in 10 matches, with their only blip coming at in-form Brentford.

In sharp contrast, Hull have not kept a clean sheet in any competition since January 1, a period stretching as many as 20 matches.

Just six points have been recorded from a possible 54 in the Championship, highlighting that Grant McCann's side are fortunate to still be a couple of wins away from retaining their second-tier status.

Despite three successive defeats coming since the dramatic win over rivals Middlesbrough, McCann will have taken positives from only conceding three goals during the last two matches.

However, should Hull lose against Wigan and Luton Town in a season-defining double-header, they will almost certainly find themselves playing League One football during the next campaign.

Wigan Athletic Championship form: WWWLWD

Hull City Championship form: LDWLLL

Team News

Hull boss McCann is expected to bring Josh Magennis back into his attack for this game.

Ryan Tafazolli is also in line to take the place of Angus MacDonald after replacing him during the closing stages at the weekend.

With Daniel Fox missing the game through suspension, Kai Naismith may be forced to deputise in the centre of Wigan's defence.

That could result in Gavin Massey being handed a recall further forward in what could be the only change to the side.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup: Marshall; Byrne, Kipre, Naismith, Robinson; Williams, Morsy; Naismith, Dowell, Lowe; Moore

Hull City possible starting lineup: Long; Burke, Tafazolli, De Wijs, Elder; Stewart, Lopes, Honeyman; Bowler, Wilks, Magennis

We say: Wigan Athletic 2-1 Hull City

Although Wigan are the clear favourites, we feel that this contest will be tighter than many people expect. Nevertheless, the Latics have the momentum, and that could lead to them prevailing by the odd goal in three.