Wigan Athletic v Rochdale: Early team news

Leam Richardson looks set to name Wigan Athletic’s first unchanged team of the season against Rochdale as they look to climb out of the League One relegation zone for the first time since October 20.

By Paul Kendrick

Published 14th Dec 2020, 21:22 BST

Updated 14th Dec 2020, 22:58 BST

Latics host their north-west neighbours at the DW Stadium aiming for a third win in the space of 10 days.

Depending on results elsewhere, they could leapfrog their opponents as well as Shrewsbury, Swindon and Oxford into the lofty heights of 19th place.

Centre-back Adam Long is hoping to recover from the injury that caused his half-time substitution against Accrington at the weekend.

And with right-back Tom James having been given the all-clear after shedding teeth for the cause in scoring the opening goal on Saturday, Latics could have the luxury of fielding the same XI for the first time in 22 matches.

‘Mr Versatile’ Kal Naismith was hoping to return to the fold after missing out against Accrington, but Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood looks a more realistic proposition.

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