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Gary Caldwell called this the start of the season for the club, and well he is right. With no more comings and goings the squad is now set in stone and it will be these men that will see the club to its position till the end of the season. The first step in doing that is possibly one of the hardest tests we will have this season with an away trip to Chesterfield.
Last season they were ever so close to promotion, however they were beaten comfortably in the play-offs by eventual winners Preston North End. Since then there have been big changes in South Yorkshire. Dean Saunders has now taken over at the club following the departure of Paul Cook, and they arguably lost star player Sam Clucas to Hull City.
Even with all that change they have started the season fantastically winning three of their first five. Losing out 2-0 to local rivals Sheffield United earlier on in August. That shows you the kind of team we are facing today.
Chesterfield though have lost defender Angle Martinez to injury who could be out for sometime with a knee injury. Other injury concerns for Dean Saunders is Drew Talbot, who could make the cut at the last minute following an ankle injury. They will also be without Gboly Ariyib due to his international call up for the USA.
In our camp Captain Craig Morgan has been added to the injury list, with Kevin McNaughton, Grant Holt, Tim Chow and Cisco Junior all missing for this game. Returns in the near future aren't that far off. Wigan will also be without striker Will Griggs and right back Jonjoe Kenny the pair having been called up for their respective countries over the international break.
Concerns then for Gary Caldwell defensively. Thankfully the return of Jason Pearce softens the blow of the loss of Morgan but we are missing a right back now. One option going into the game could see Donervon Daniels slip in their, the defender is capable of playing in the right back position and he could be our only option.
Elsewhere the question hangs as to who joins Craig Davies up front or do we stick an extra man in the middle. I am sure our new loan signing in Vukic Haris will be wanting to make his debut for the club today alongside Davies. The pair could compliment each other nicely.
Interesting decisions then for both managers to make, in a game which could define the early season. Chesterfield win and we drop six points away from them. A Wigan win and we close the gap altogether. No pressure then lads!