A culmination of factors has left Wigan in a good place before a key game in the season.

Wigan currently reside in third place, but they have multiple games in hand on the teams above them. Their next game is against Blackburn, which is inevitably a key game in the season because it will have a big influence on who finishes in the automatic spots.

Finishing in the automatics is naturally an aim for both teams because of the unpredictable nature of the play-offs with form and momentum being key factors in that.

A stingy defence has been key in Wigan's promotion hunt as they have only conceded 18 goals in 31 games. This means that the recent victory against an amazing Manchester City side is important in three respects.

Firstly, it naturally gives the whole team a boost because they were able to beat the best team in the country even if the opposition were down to ten men for half the match. Secondly, it brings credence to Paul Cook's ideas because he helped orchestrate a historical victory, so the players are a lot more likely to buy into his methods and vision.

Thirdly, and most importantly, it brings confidence back to a defence which had conceded five goals in the two league games prior to that FA Cup match. This helped them avoid a potential banana skin when they played Rochdale at home straight after that who currently sit bottom of the table because they were available to grind out a 1-0 victory.

This is unlikely to make the game against free scoring Blackburn easy, but it could help them in key moments due to having complete faith in themselves and the manager. Playing against Blackburn naturally pales in comparison when you have just beaten Manchester City.

Everyone at the club is also likely to be excited by the potential takeover so that is an external factor which is helping to contribute to the good feeling around the club.

Wigan fans... what are your thoughts on Paul Cook? Let us know below!

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