Wigan officials are determined to avoid a second postponement in six days and have spent a five-figure sum in a bid to beat the big freeze.
Although the pitch was playable for Monday night’s clash with Bolton, the match was called off as severe icy conditions around the DW Stadium prompted fears for the safety of spectators.
The Latics have another home fixture scheduled for Boxing Day against another of their local rivals, Blackburn, and they are eager not to suffer another cancellation.
The club has hired a JCB snow plough and bought seven tonnes of grit to spread across pathways and car parks around the stadium, which are the areas of greatest concern.
“Ultimately, we can’t control the weather of course, but we are doing everything in our power to try to keep the game played on Saturday,” said chief executive Brenda Spencer.
Safety
“Our first priority has to be the safety of the supporters of both teams, and that is why we are gritting the area and ploughing the snow.
“At the moment, the forecast seems quite favourable in that there could be a slight thaw before the weekend.
“But we cannot afford to leave anything to chance, which is why we are trying to clear the stockpiles of snow now and spending a considerable sum of money to make this happen.
“At this stage we are very confident the game will be played
