Wigan will play host to Wolves in a lunch-time kick off on Saturday.
The Latics had the worst of starts to their Premiership campaign, losing by big margins in home matches to newbies Blackpool and champions Chelsea. But thereafter, they have turned things around, for which no small credit is due to manager Roberto Martinez.
In their last five games, the Latics have lost just one, while also ensuring an entry into the fourth round of the tournament after a Carling Cup victory over Preston North End.
Wigan desperately need a win at the DW Stadium if for no reason but to attract home supporters to watch the match as the stadium has not seen a full house in recent times.
Quite ironically, Wigan owe it to their good performances at home, last seaosn, for managing to stave off relgation. This season, they have just 3 draws and a loss to show for four home matches in six, the highest among all teams in the Premiership.
When Wolves visited the DW Stadium last season, Andy Keogh put the Wanderers ahead early in the match, and the visitors hung on to prevail 1-0. This was just one of six home losses last season.
Martinez will definitely be hoping for a better result this time round, and he will be helped by the fact that all his major players are available, barring Tom Cleverly and Gary Caldwell, and Franco Di Santio could start in spite of an injury suffered against Birmingham last weekend, a game that ended in a goalless draw.
At 17th place, Wolves are just one rung above the Latics on the points table. Mick McCarthy's squad began relatively well, with five points garnered from their first three matches of the Premiership season. The three losses that followed in as many matches have seen wolves plummet down the ranks to join in a relegation battle.
The Wanderers will be smarting from their 2-1 loss at home in a Midlands Derby against Aston Villa, last weekend. And they should be buoyed by the prospect of playing Wigan, who represent their best opportunity to atone, under the circumstances..
Despite their good showing at the DW Stadium last year, Wolves recent record on the road does not inspire optimism. In three away matches against Everton, Fulham and Tottenham, the Wanderers have banked just one point.
Both teams have been inconsistent, but taking everything into account, I would give a slight edge to the hosts.
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