Six changes for Wigan

Struggling Wigan made six changes as they looked to kick-start their season against Championship side Preston in the Carling Cup tonight.

New signings Mauro Boselli, Steven Caldwell, James McArthur and Ronnie Stam were all selected in the third-round tie at the DW Stadium.

Jordi Gomez and Ben Watson also came in but their was no recall for Chris Kirkland as Ali Al Habsi retained the goalkeeper’s jersey.

Wigan went into the game in need of a lift after collecting just four points from five Barclays Premier League games, but Preston’s plight was worse – three from seven in the lower division. North End made four changes but Keith Treacy and Paul Coutts overcame injury to start.

Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, Alcaraz, Steven Caldwell, Figueroa, Gomez, Watson, Thomas, McArthur, Di Santo, Boselli. Subs: Kirkland, Gohouri, McCarthy, N’Zogbia, Moses, Diame, De Ridder.

Preston: Lonergan, Gray, St. Ledger, Wayne Brown, Jones, Mayor, Coutts, Russell, Treacy, Chris Brown, Barton. Subs: Arestidou, Morgan, Hayes, Parry, Parkin, McLaughlin, Wright.

Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)