City return to the LNER Stadium for their only home league game in September, as they host Wigan Athletic in the early kick-off on Saturday 21 September (12:30pm KO).
In this match preview, read the thoughts of head coach Michael Skubala and midfielder Conor McGrandles, as well as important match information.
Michael Skubala’s thoughts:
[On George Wickens] “He’s going to miss the weekend, and hopefully it will be just one game. We have to follow concussion protocols. All being well, it should be one. Disappointed to lose him because he was doing well but that's why we have got players ready to go on the bench and ready to compete."
[On Wigan Athletic] “They will be dangerous. They’re a really good team. I’ve always liked the way they play, and they are coached really well by Shaun [Maloney]. They play some really good, expansive football.
“It’s going to be a tough game. I think last season they weren’t in a realistic position because of their points deduction but they will be up and around there this season. But we are at home, and we want to take the game to them and try to win the game like always.”
Conor McGrandles’ take:
[On the 1-1 draw with Peterborough United] “It was a good performance, at a really hard place to get a result. We felt on the day that we could have won it. A draw looking back on it is not a bad result because they’re a good team.
“It's been a really positive start. To get the points tally we have so far, everyone is pretty happy with it. We feel like we have left a few behind but you can't win every game - overall it’s been a positive start.”
[On forging midfield relationships] “It's easy when you're playing with good players, they know when to pass, so I'm really enjoying playing with them, along with the rest of the boys. It’s early season so we are still building relationships, but I'm happy with how we are doing right now.”
A look at the opposition:
Wigan Athletic have had their ups and downs in the early stages of the new season, occupying 15th place in Sky Bet League One, with two wins and three defeats.
Last time out, they were convincing 4-0 winners at Bristol Rovers, with striker Joe Hugill bagging a brace for the Latics.
City’s last victory against the Latics at the LNER Stadium came in 2020 when goals from Jorge Grant and Tom Hopper saw the Imps recover from 1-0 down to take all three points.
Thelo Aasgard has picked up from where he left off last season in good form for the Latics, while the addition of highly-rated forward Hugill on loan from Manchester United looks to be a smart one.
Match Information:
City will take to the LNER Stadium in their usual home kit, which can be purchased HERE.
Craig Hicks is the man in the middle in charge of proceedings, supported by his assistants, Thomas Cooke and Kenwyn Hughes. Richie Watkins will be the fourth official.
