Latics face trip to Riverside

The last meeting between the two sides, Jordi Gomez salvaged Wigan a draw as Wigan took the lead through Grant Holt's sport kick only to be battled back by Boro where Grant Leadbitter give Boro the lead 15 minutes from time but Gomez was on hand to rescue Wigan a point as the spaniard showed his class from dead ball situations firing past the Boro defense to give Wigan an equaliser.

Both teams come into this fixture on 36 points and a defeat last time out the only thing seperating the teams is 4 goals and 1 place in Middlesbrough's favour. This could prove a difficult tie for Uwe Rosler's side as Aitor Karanka's side haven't lost twice in the league at home all season.

Wigan are still in their best form of the season having only lost once in 10 under the German whilst Boro are in similar form having only lost once in the league since boxing day. Both sides find themselves 5 points from the play-offs but Wigan possess 1 game in hand on many cases and 2 games in hand on 6 of the sides above. This game could be seen as crucial to the Latics as a win would keep the pressure on the teams above further stop the FA Cup holders slipping away to as much as 8 points if Wigan were to 5 points behind the pack by the time catch up comes up, it could see the Latics fire up to a play off spot for the first time since August.

Aitor Karanka's side have proved difficult to beat at home this season, Albert Adomah's blistering form for Boro this year with 9 goals and a basket of assists for the Riverside team this year, Boro snatched Adomah from under Wigan's nose in summer as Roberto Martinez was linked with the winger all through the summer but it never escalated. Aitor Karanka has brought an attractive style of football to the North East since succeeding Tony Mowbray in November, the likes of Admoah, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Mustapha Carayol being particularly dangerous this season.

Team News:

Boro- Albert Adomah will be hoping to feature after an ankle problem whilst new boys Daniel Ayala and highly rated Nathaniel Chalobah will be looking to play a part in Tuesday night's clash but Aitor Karanka has no new injuries.

Wigan- Rosler continues to delay Josh McEachran's debut as the midfielder likes fitness whilst Tyias Browning and Rob Kiernan are available again after being cup-tied at the weekend.

This is will be a very open game I feel with 1 goal separating the sides, Nick Powell will be key for the Latics furthermore Nicky Maynard despite his rustiness needs to start scoring soon and this could be the game to it. Each team will have their fair share of chances with finishing looking to be crucial in this game as well as the midfield particular keep the ball and knocking it around well being the key to winning and losing. Wigan will have their work cut out here but with their current form and Rosler's German ethics, I think we will edge this one.