Both Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic were predicted by many to struggle in the Championship this season, but both teams have made positive starts thus far with Birmingham digging in to secure a 1-1 draw against promotion favourites Watford last time out, whilst Wigan came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Bristol City in their last outing. 

  • Team news

Birmingham

Birmingham City will be without midfield regular Ryan Woods, who has finalised a move to fellow Championship side Hull City this week. Mark Roberts and Jordan Graham remain out with minor injuries, whilst  Gary Gardner is still building up match fitness, playing 45 minutes for the U21's earlier in the week. 

Wigan Athletic

Leam Richardson's Wigan Athletic have no new injury woes, with new signing Ashley Fletcher expected to start on the bench due to concerns surrounding match fitness. 

  • Predicted lineups

Birmingham:

Ruddy, Colin, Sanderson, Trusty, Williams, James, Hall, Bacuna, Płacheta, Hogan, Deeney

Wigan

Amos, Darikwa, Whatmough, Kerr, Bennett, Power, Naylor, Lang, Keane, McClean, Broadhead

  • Ones to watch

Birmingham City- George Hall

The Blues youngster made quite the impression on Tuesday, playing 78 minutes and grabbing a goal against a very strong Watford side. Because of Birmingham's financial situation off the pitch, John Eustace will have to lean heavily on the academy in order to produce results, with George Hall being one of the dazzling stars produced from Wast Hills. The versatile midfielder is already attracting interest from the Premier League but if Blues are to have a solid season, keeping hold of Hall is integral. 

Wigan Athletic- James McClean

A favourite amongst Latics fans, the Championship veteran James McClean is always likely to pose a threat. The Irishman has played every minute this season for Wigan in the Championship, netting in a 1-1 draw against Norwich City two weeks ago. With three draws from three games, Wigan are unbeaten and for this streak to continue, big players such as McClean will have to play their part on Saturday to secure a first win of the season. 

  • Manager quotes

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash, Blues head coach John Eustace stated;

''Wigan will be our hardest game up to now, they are used to winning after getting promoted last season. They have a very good squad of players with a brilliant young coach and experience in the squad.

''No matter who you play against, every game in the league is a difficult one. From my point of view there is a lot of hard work still ahead, there is still a lot of work we have to do with and without the ball."

Wigan Athletic manager Leam Richardson said;

“We are acclimatising to the level, and I’m pleased performance wise but you still always crave for more no matter what happens. It’s about building those small steps and the main focus is to be competitive in every game, and I think we’ve been that so far.

“We are expecting more of the same from Birmingham. They are a fantastic football club with some real backing behind it. It’s something we are looking forward to and will approach in a positive manner. Fingers crossed we will fall on the right side of the result.''

  • Previous meetings

The last time these sides faced off was New Year's Day in 2020, where Wigan emerged 3-2 victors at St. Andrews courtesy of a Josh Windass brace and a goal from defender Cédric Kipré. 

  • Match Details

Where is the game being played?

The game is being played at St Andrews, home of Birmingham City F.C.

What time is kick-off?

The game will kick off at 15:00 BST and the match referee will be Andy Davies

How can I watch?

Unfortunately the game is not available to watch in most locations. Fans worldwide can however listen to the game via their club's website, for a price of £2.50 or for a £4.49 monthly pass. Match highlights will be available shortly after the full time whistle.