Crawley clash is already very important for Latics
While the Brick Community Stadium side will be expecting to earn a victory over a side who were plying their trade in League Two last season, Crawley will present an interesting challenge on Saturday afternoon.
The West Sussex outfit have adjusted well to life in League One, and in contrast to the Latics, Scott Lindsey’s men have won three games from three in all competitions so far this season.
Maloney and co may have a tough time thwarting the momentum of a Red Devils side who have not lost a competitive fixture since a 3-2 defeat to Colchester United back in April.
| Crawley Town 2024/25 results so far | ||
|---|---|---|
| Opponent | Competition | Result |
| Blackpool (H) | League One | 2-1 W |
| Swindon Town (H) | EFL Cup | 4-2 W |
| Cambridge United (A) | League One | 0-1 W |
But winning on Saturday already feels very important for the Latics, who could face the unwanted prospect of a winless August if they do not overcome Lindsey’s side.
A week on from their clash with the Red Devils, the Greater Manchester club travel to Birmingham City on the last weekend of the month, which is a potentially daunting task.
It is early days in the Football League season, but the Blues are already hot favourites for the League One title and have won four points from a possible six so far this campaign.
Birmingham boss Chris Davies has also strengthened his ranks over the course of the summer transfer window, while the signing of Alfie May, who won the third-tier golden boot while playing for Charlton last season, is the pick of the bunch.
The former Cheltenham Town man has already found form, with two goals in as many League One appearances, so the Latics will want to head into their trip to Birmingham with as much confidence as possible.
And the best way of instilling confidence in a squad is to win games, which is what Maloney’s men will endeavour to do come Saturday.
Blues have the potential to dismantle Latics
If the Latics have not got into their stride by the final weekend of the month, then they could be in for a very uncomfortable afternoon at St Andrew’s.
The Blues squad is littered with quality all over the pitch – from the previously mentioned prolific May to former Manchester United defender Ethan Laird.
So if Maloney’s men travel to St Andrew’s short of confidence, while the Blues maintain their current vein of form, then the West Midlands outfit could come away with a heavy victory.
Failing to win against both Crawley and Birmingham would leave Wigan with a significant gap to make up in the race for the play-offs and while it is still very early in the season, that could turn out to be costly – particularly for a team that have lost some key players this summer.
With the trip to face the Blues on the horizon, Saturday’s clash feels vital.
