Wigan head into the penultimate fixture of the Europa League group stage with promising hopes of qualification to the knockout stages of the competition. The battle for second place could be all but sealed by the Latics with victory at the DW Stadium, ending the Belgian side's chances of making it through the group. This, coupled with a Rubin Kazan victory over bottom side Maribor would put Owen Coyle's men into the last 32, giving them a potential glamour tie against one of the big names of European football, including those in danger of dropping out of the Champions League group stage. However, defeat tonight would see Zulte leapfrog Wigan into 2nd place, meaning victory against Maribor in the final match of the group would be unlikely to see them through. 

The two sides head into Thursday's game on the back of contrasting results, Waregem managed a 3-1 victory against Mechelen which extended their run to 6 league games unbeaten. This rich vein of form has put them ahead of the likes of Genk, Club Brugge and Champions League outfit Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League, where they sit 2nd. Meanwhile, Wigan fell 1-0 at home in unconvincing fashion to Brighton, ending their unbeaten home record in all competitions this campaign which included an impressive 1-1 draw with runaway group leaders Rubin Kazan back in October. 

Whilst clearly disappointed with the loss of his side's home record, manager Owen Coyle has urged his players not to dwell on the weekend's result.

"You can feel sorry for yourself or bounce back quickly, and that's what we'll do."

Goals have been difficult to come by from Wigan's point of view this season and Coyle has admitted this is an issue that must be addressed ahead of Thursday's tie, and has even hinted at movement in the January transfer window for the future.

"We have to be ruthless and more clinical. We will continue to try and add to the striking department."

Putting the ball in the back of the net is something Zulte have also struggled to do this Europa League campaign, managing just 2 goals. Neutrals looking for a goal-fest will almost certainly be steering clear of this one - the two sides have managed just 6 goals in 8 group stage games in the tournament so far and the previous fixture between the sides resulted in a goalless draw.

However with the group stage coming to a close, this could prove an eventful tie between two teams with knockout round aspirations and unbeaten records to avenge and extend.

Wigan Athletic player to look: Nick Powell. 

The Manchester United loanee already has shown a real love for the big European nights having scored a double in the 3-1 victory over Maribor and the key equalising goal in the 1-1 draw with Rubin Kazan. He will once more be out to show Moyes and co what he is all about, provided he is not shipped out for the return of forward Grant Holt from injury.

Zulte Waregem player to look: Thorgan Hazard.

Brother of fellow Chelsea wide man Eden, Thorgan will be looking to show Mourinho that he can cope with the demands of English football with a strong performance at the DW. He is currently Zulte's top scorer this season with 10 goals in all competitions and is likely to provide the key threat to the Latics backline.

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