Huddersfield v Wigan - FA Cup preview and team news
Having this week appointed Mark Robins as permanent first-team manager, Huddersfield will continue their quest to reach the FA Cup semi finals for the first time since 1939 against a Wigan side that may well have more than one eye on staying in the Premier League rather than tangible cup success.
The Terriers league form has just picked up of late, with only one defeat from their last three matches coupled with an impressive victory at Leicester in the fourth round cup-replay in midweek and in a season that is rapidly degenerating into a relegation battle rather than a fight for the play-offs, the cup exploits are providing a welcome distraction.
Huddersfield will have defender Peter Clarke and on-loan midfielder Neil Danns available for selection after the latter could not play against parent club Leicester, while goalkeeper Alex Smithies also returns.
Wigan are looking to complete a hat-trick of victories over lower-league clubs in the FA Cup this season, with previous wins over Bournemouth and Macclesfield giving the Latics a place in the fifth round for the first time since 1987.
Roberto Martinez’s men have their own relegation problems to attend to and as such, the Spaniard is expected to make his customary wholesale changes to his cup starting XI, particularly now as their well-documented injury list is finally beginning to clear.
Previous long-term absentees Antolin Alcaraz, Emmerson Boyce, Adrian Lopez and Ryo Miyaichi could all make their first appearances for the side since 2013 with further fringe players also set for a chance to impress at the John Smith’s Stadium.
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