Crawley Town are set to host Wigan Athletic on Tuesday at Broadfield Stadium in a League One clash that could have significant ramifications on the relegation battle.
The home side are fourth last in 21st place with 28 points and occupy the last of four relegation spots, but Wigan are only three places and six points ahead of them following their 2-0 defeat against Stockport County on Saturday.
Match preview
© Imago
Crawley managed to hold second-placed Wycombe Wanderers to a 1-1 stalemate on February 15, and while they failed to create a big chance, they restricted the promotion hopefuls to just one of their own.
The hosts' goal against Wycombe was their eighth in three games, and their tally in that time is more than they scored in their prior eight, and their record of 34 goals scored in the third tier is joint second-best return in the bottom nine.
However, manager Robert Elliot will undoubtedly be alarmed by the rate at which his side have conceded this season, with the club's record of 54 goals conceded the third-worst return in the league.
Although the Red Devils' form in recent weeks has been mixed, they have won two and drawn one of their last five in League One, picking up more points than six of the eight teams above them have in that period.
Crawley are unbeaten at home in two matches – winning one and drawing one – but did lose three of their previous four at Broadfield Stadium.
© Imago
Opponents Wigan created very little against Stockport until the 75th minute, and though they produced both of their two big chances in the final 15 minutes, the victors scored twice in that time to claim all three points.
The visitors have struggled in the final third all campaign and rank as the worst offensive club in the division having only found the back of the net on 27 occasions in the league.
Head coach Shaun Maloney will hope for a repeat of his side's previous clash against Crawley Town when they emerged as 1-0 winners on August 24, though they were arguably fortunate given they produced just one shot on target and only won thanks to Joy Mukena's 30th-minute own goal.
The Latics come into Tuesday's game having failed to achieve victory in any of their past four outings in all competitions, losing three and being held to a stalemate in one, and they have also been defeated in six of their nine most recent League One fixtures.
It should be noted that Wigan's away form is positive considering they have triumphed in four of their last six games on the road, as well as seven of their last 11.
Team News
© Imago
Crawley performed excellently at the back against Wycombe, and it would be surprising if centre-backs Charlie Barker, Dion Conroy and Ben Radcliffe did not retain the places.
Liam Fraser came on at half time last time out for wing-back Will Swan, and he may be trusted to flank the back three alongside fellow wing-back Harry Forster.
As for Wigan, James Carragher and Jason Kerr are almost certain to start in the heart of defence, and they could be shielded by a double pivot consisting of Babajide Adeeko and Scott Smith.
Elsewhere, Jonny Smith, Jensen Weir and Maleace Asamoah could play in supportive roles behind striker Dale Taylor.
Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Wollacott; Barker, Conroy, Radcliffe; Fraser, Doyle, Ibrahim, Anderson, Forster; John-Jules, Hepburn-Murphy
Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:
Tickle; Sibbick, Carragher, Kerr, Mellish; Adeeko, S. Smith; J. Smith, Weir, Asamoah; Taylor
We say: Crawley Town 1-1 Wigan Athletic
Wigan's away record is strong while Crawley have not been particularly consistent at home, and the visitors could exploit their hosts' vulnerabilities at Broadfield Stadium.
However, Wigan's form in front of goal has been subpar this campaign, and they may find it difficult to regularly create chances on Tuesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
