Wigan Athletic tactical tweaks explained after Barnsley draw

Ryan Lowe has explained the thought process behind his Wigan Athletic team selection for the visit of Barnsley, and also the in-game switch in the backline.

The Liverpudlian made two changes from the side that won 2-0 at Burton Albion on Monday, with Fraser Murray and Jensen Weir replacing Joseph Hungbo and Tobias Brenan, who both dropped to the bench.

Ryan L:owe made tactical tweaks before and during the draw with Barnsley

placeholder image — Ryan L:owe made tactical tweaks before and during the draw with Barnsley

'A game of two halves' - Wigan Athletic chief assesses home draw with Barnsley

Hungbo's appearance at Burton was his first since damaging a hamstring at Stockport County at the beginning of November.

Brenan, meanwhile, had started against the Brewers with Weir and Matt Smith both out suspended.

"It was a medical decision with Joe," reported Lowe. "He would have liked to have played, but after being out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury, I'd have been shooting myself in the foot.

"Especially with him having cramp at the end (at Burton)...I have a duty of care to my players.

"Tobias was great the other night, but we wanted to freshen it up with Jensen coming back in.

"In hindsight, it's easy to say we should have gone again, but not when the games are every two or three days to deal with him."

Lowe was also asked about the tactical tweak at the beginning of the second period, which saw skipper James Carragher move from the middle of the back three to the right-hand side, with Will Aimson doing the opposite.

"(Reyes) Cleary came on at half-time, and we'd done a lot of work before the game with Will on the right-hand side to deal with him, because we thought he would start," added Lowe.

"Lo and behold, he didn't, so we swapped it back in the first half.

"We just thought with Will being a bit more experienced than James, he could get across, he'd be savvy enough...I thought he did a good job on Cleary in the second half.

"But I've no issue with either of them playing anywhere, they're both capable of hitting the diags, punching passes in there, driving forward when the opportunity arises.

"When the opposition carries a specific threat, though, you have to respect that and make sure you have the best person in the right area at the right time."