Wigan’s winning run came to an end on September 23rd as they were beaten 3-2 by Peterborough with their wonderful defensive record taking a hammering in the process.

The absence of Egyptian Sam Morsy was felt by the Latics as the Posh found plenty of gaps in midfield with the in-form Junior Morais netting twice from distance.

Paul Cook’s side definitely look tougher to break down with Morsy in the line-up as they aim to build on their impressive start to the campaign.

Wigan have taken 19 points from their first nine matches and Paul Cook’s side look like one of the most organised sides in the division.

Sam Morsy has been an integral part of that early success and has clocked up eight appearances netting once in the process.

The Egyptian midfielder missed the Latics’ trip to Peterborough through suspension after accumulating five yellow cards and his manager Paul Cook believes the tough-tackler has been deliberately targeted by their opponents.

Morsy is joined by Lee Evans in the centre of the park and the pair have shielded the Latics back-line expertly so far.

Cook’s men had conceded just three times prior to the Peterborough defeat, which helped them climb up to second in the table.

The former Chesterfield man is always competitive and expertly breaks up play in a congested midfield. Some of his dirtier work may go unnoticed throughout the campaign but it is vitally important and his presence is certainly missed whenever he’s not in the side.

He is often described as an ‘enforcer’ and with Dan Burn and Chey Dunkley marshalling the backline, it’s easy to see why the Latics have conceded so few goals this campaign.

Prior to the defeat, Wigan had battled their way to three consecutive clean sheets against Northampton, Bristol Rovers, and Charlton.

Paul Cook’s side had been priced up as second favourites for promotion at the start of the season behind fellow North-West outfit Blackburn but with Rovers losing three of their opening eight games, Wigan are now favourites to return to the second tier and they’ve made a decent start of justifying those odds.

Those who backed the Latics at the beginning of the campaign will be pleased with their early progress and they remain unbeaten at the DW after four matches.

Shrewsbury are the unexpected early pacesetters in League One but, if you fancy backing Wigan to make an instant return to the Championship, it’s worth checking out the great betting offers by leading bookmakers; there are a number of welcome bonuses available, including a £20 risk free bet that can be used to back the Latics for success in the outright market.

Morsy’s ability to put his foot in and prevent the opposition reaching the defence is a hugely underrated skill and they missed his positioning and tenacity at London Road. His return should coincide with yet more clean sheets this season as Paul Cook’s side continue to impress in League One.

They’ve conceded just twice at home in their opening four matches at the DW so don’t be surprised to see many more sides fire a blank here throughout the course of the season.

 

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