08-01-2026, 19:50
Team News
Odel Offiah was withdrawn in the victory at Bristol City and is a doubt for Friday night’s fixture, whilst Robbie Brady and Andrija Vukčević remain sidelined with injuries.
Lewis Gibson moves ever closer to a return and could come into contention to feature in the cup clash against The Latics.
The Hosts
Wigan come into the tie on the back of an indifferent run of form which has seen them pick up four points from the four matches they’ve played since Christmas. Boxing Day defeat to Graham Alexander’s Bradford City was followed by a 2-0 win at Burton Albion before a 1-1 home draw against Barnsley and a narrow defeat on the road at league leaders, Cardiff City.
Ryan Lowe returns to Deepdale in the dugout for the first team since leaving North End by mutual consent following the first game of last season against Sheffield United and he’ll be looking to guide his team further away from the relegation zone and closer to the Play-Off places in a really tight and competitive Sky Bet League One.
Match Officials
Referee: Oliver Langford
Assistant Referees: Mark Stevens, Shaun Hudson
Fourth Official: Richard Eley
Oliver Langford will take charge of the clash at Deepdale and he last officiated a North End fixture in the dramatic 3-2 victory against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in November. He also took charge of the opening day draw at QPR.
The cup, many years ago third round day was a highlight of the season, all 32 games played with a three pm kick off, these days fixtures are played at varying times during the weekend, sides play less than full strength sides, shame really.
As for this be good to win against Fantastic
On a personal note 93rd consecutive game which equals my record, not an anorak really.
Odel Offiah was withdrawn in the victory at Bristol City and is a doubt for Friday night’s fixture, whilst Robbie Brady and Andrija Vukčević remain sidelined with injuries.
Lewis Gibson moves ever closer to a return and could come into contention to feature in the cup clash against The Latics.
The Hosts
Wigan come into the tie on the back of an indifferent run of form which has seen them pick up four points from the four matches they’ve played since Christmas. Boxing Day defeat to Graham Alexander’s Bradford City was followed by a 2-0 win at Burton Albion before a 1-1 home draw against Barnsley and a narrow defeat on the road at league leaders, Cardiff City.
Ryan Lowe returns to Deepdale in the dugout for the first team since leaving North End by mutual consent following the first game of last season against Sheffield United and he’ll be looking to guide his team further away from the relegation zone and closer to the Play-Off places in a really tight and competitive Sky Bet League One.
Match Officials
Referee: Oliver Langford
Assistant Referees: Mark Stevens, Shaun Hudson
Fourth Official: Richard Eley
Oliver Langford will take charge of the clash at Deepdale and he last officiated a North End fixture in the dramatic 3-2 victory against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in November. He also took charge of the opening day draw at QPR.
The cup, many years ago third round day was a highlight of the season, all 32 games played with a three pm kick off, these days fixtures are played at varying times during the weekend, sides play less than full strength sides, shame really.
As for this be good to win against Fantastic
On a personal note 93rd consecutive game which equals my record, not an anorak really.
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?