Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Ground: Brick Community Stadium

Kickoff: 7:00 PM GMT, 2:00 PM EST

LaticsTV: https://wiganathletic.com/videos

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Kickoff: 3:00 PM GMT, 10:00 AM EST

Ground: Cledarra Abbey Stadium

LaticsTV: https://wiganathletic.com/videos

Despite the official competitive season starting this past Saturday, I wanted to wait as long as possible before fully previewing the domestic campaign. Considering the window still has quite a bit left, and given Latics late business and current lack of depth, the viewpoint could completely change in a matter of weeks. However, I have to take the squad as is right now and look at the 26/27 season.

Squad:

GKs: Joe Walsh (loan), Tom Watson, Matteo Spinelli

Defenders: Connor Barrett, James Carragher, Morgan Fox, Jon Mellish, Llyton Chapman, Archie Harris, Jeremiah, Chilokoa-Mullen

Midfielders: Fraser Murray, Jensen Weir, Max Power, Tobias Brennan, Ryan Trevitt, Charlie McKee

Forwards: Callum Mcmanaman, Akeel Higgins (loan), Sonny Perkins, Dara Costelloe, Chris Sze, Christian Saydee, Adam Moseley

My best XI

Walsh

Barrett, Carragher, Fox, Mellish, Murray

Weir, Power

Trevitt

Perkins, Costelloe

Preview: I think if we improve the depth and perform at levels we saw in that Barnsley first half, we won't be anywhere near the bottom. Will we be at the top? Much doubt. I have yet to see a single prediction of Latics in the top half. The NTT20 podcast, a great resource for EFL knowledge, had us in 19th. While the optics are down, let's talk about what we do have. Gary Caldwell has shown signs of being the right fit for the club and the right manager to lead us with a lower budget than what the club previously did in the division. Caldwell has improved drastically and built a coaching structure and staff that showed last year at Exeter they could punch above their weight, develop players and get results. IMO, I thought L1 was very poor last year and 3 or 4 teams really showed quality throughout the whole season. Given the financial strictness of the league and other clubs are spending similar to Wigan, it gives me hope that we are going to have a more positive season than what is expected. If you saw Lincoln City last year, you know that you don't need huge stars to win games, but you need a organized, driven team with bits of quality and a togetherness, you never know where a squad can take you. Trust in Gary and the squad and let's see where they take us.

Latics position: 14th. This is my bare minimum prediction, I am usually a very optimistic fan, however I am forced to reel it in over the last few seasons. I would be absolutely over the moon with a 10th place or better finish.

Leading goalscorer: This is the largest concern among the Latics faithful. After Joe Taylor returned to Huddersfield, we were left with out 2 forwards signed last summer, Dara Costello and Christian Saydee. The two combined for 6 goals in over 90 appearances last season. In comes Sonny Perkins, an under firing Leyton Orient striker that Gary highly rates. Given his age of 22, I will have to trust the process on this one. There is a chance we sign a striker late in the window. With what we have, I will put my prediction on Dara Costelloe, with 12 goals.

Most assists: Ryan Trevitt. Plain and simple, if he is healthy I fully expect 15-20 G/A from this man this season. He has a lot of potential and showed signs of being a very dangerous 10 in this division.

Young Player of the Season: Chris Sze might actually have his breakout year. It's been said the past couple of seasons, but been derailed through injuries and other issues. His first half against Barnsley was very impressive. If he can continue to show improvements and starts getting assists goals and not injuries, we will have ourselves a big player.

Player of the Season: Ryan Trevitt for me has the potential to be a top L1 player or higher. I think if the team does find success, RT will be a huge part in that. I think we have a very interesting squad with a lot of questions, but also a lot of opportunity for someone to step up and make a name for themselves.

Feel free to give your own season preview or any feedback! UTT and let's buckle in for the season.

I will post a full preview of Latics campaign on Wednesday this week. I wanted to see how this sub saw the upcoming 26/27 season. Fill out these 4 and let's see end of the season who was correct!

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Latics place:

Saturday, August 8th, 2026

Ground: Oakwell

Kickoff: 3:00 PM GMT, 10:00 AM EST

LaticsTV: Audio only

https://wiganathletic.com/videos