Nottingham Forest vs Wigan Athletic. Sky Bet Championship.
The City GroundAttendance28,848.
Friday 25 January 2019 10:50, UK
Danny Fox is back in contention for Nottingham Forest as they prepare to host Wigan.
Fox's return after a one-match ban slightly eases manager Martin O'Neill's defensive problems, although Tendayi Darikwa is still suspended and Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele remain injured, while Tobias Figueiredo is also struggling.
O'Neill's first game in charge did not go as planned as Forest were beaten 1-0 at home by Bristol City last weekend. The Northern Irishman opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Daryl Murphy and Lewis Grabban up front, but reverting to a lone striker could be an option against Wigan. Something else for O'Neill to consider is a recall for club record signing Joao Carvalho, who has been left on the bench for the last two matches.
Wigan have a host of injury issues, with key men Nick Powell and Will Grigg heading a list of players struggling for fitness. Playmaker Powell is nursing a calf problem while striker Grigg, who remains a transfer target for League One promotion hopefuls Sunderland, looks likely to miss the trip to the City Ground with an ankle injury.
Anthony Pilkington (ankle), Cedric Kipre and Gavin Massey are also doubts for the Latics, who have won just five points on their travels this season. Left-back Antonee Robinson is not expected to be back in contention until February as he continues his rehabilitation following ankle surgery.
Nottingham Forest have lost just two of their last 11 league matches against Wigan (W3 D6 L2).
Wigan have lost their last two competitive away games against Nottingham Forest; this after winning the previous one by a 4-1 scoreline in 2014.
Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neil has won each of his last four league games against Wigan, most recently in January 2013 in the Premier League while in charge of Sunderland (3-2).
Wigan have managed to gain just one point from losing positions in the Championship this season, the lowest such total in the division.
Only Brentford's Neal Maupay (10) has scored the opening goal more often in the Championship this season than Nottingham Forest striker Lewis Grabban (8).
Wigan forward Will Grigg has scored three goals in three league appearances against Nottingham Forest, including scoring twice at the City Ground in August 2016.
It wasn't a good start for Martin O'Neill last week, as they fell to a home defeat against Bristol City. It's not the return to the City Ground he would have been hoping for to say the least!
He has another chance to get a win at home against Wigan, who are dreadful on the road. They have picked up just five points away all season and I can't imagine they will add to it on Saturday.
David Prutton predicts: 1-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
