It's Derby Day at the Toughsheet Community Stadium this Saturday as Wanderers take on Wigan Athletic in a 12:30pm kick off in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Wanderers continued their unbeaten run last weekend thanks to a 94th minute stunner from Amario Cozier-Dubbery, rescuing a well deserved point on the road against Leyton Orient.
Wigan themselves are unbeaten in five league games and most recently defeated Doncaster Rovers 3-0 on home soil last weekend. The Latics are currently 8th in Sky Bet League One under the leadership of Ryan Lowe.
Press Conferences
Steven Schumacher: “It’s a huge game. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s the biggest game of the season – at home to your local rival and at a stage of the season where we need to keep winning points. I’m excited for it and hopefully we’re ready.
"The numbers in there will be great. We need to get the atmosphere going, show the commitment required in a derby game and set our stall out early.
“When the fans are behind us and stick with us it’s a powerful thing. If we can get that first goal it can be intimidating for Wigan – and that’s what we’ll need.”
Ryan Lowe: "We want to make the town and fans proud. I can’t get embroiled in all the emotion of the derby - that’s not my focus. My focus is on us and getting my team to perform to the best levels they’ve been performing.
“We’ve got to be cool-hearted, have fire in our bellies, and have cool heads. That’s the message for me, the players and staff - that’s how we’ll go about it.
“I understand all the noise around the game - we’re doing this for our fans, and we want to win for our fans and the Football Club- but my focus is on setting the game plan for the boys to take into fruition."
Team News
Wanderers came through last weekend's clash with Leyton Orient unscathed. John McAtee missed that fixture due to a slight knock but will be available for selection again this Saturday.
Ryan Lowe has also reported no new injury concerns ahead of the game. Jason Kerr missed last week's game and will be assessed heading into the weekend. Luke Robinson has also returned to training for the Latics and may be available to play if selected.
Kick-off
Saturday 12:30pm.
Referee
Benjamin Speedie will be in charge of this fixture. He last officiated Wanderers in a 2-1 away win against Exeter City last season.
Tickets/Wanderers TV
For those not going to the game, audio passes will be available, as always, for UK-based supporters to listen to full commentary with Derek Clark and John McGinlay via Wanderers TV. Those based internationally can stream the game through a live video match pass on Wanderers TV.
Click HERE to purchase a pass.