Paul Cook has revealed that Chelsea loanee Dujon Sterling will make his first start for Wigan Athletic tomorrow at Derby County, after Nathan Byrne picked up his fifth booking of the season against Nottingham Forest forcing a one-match suspension. 

The Latics won their third consecutive match at the DW Stadium, by beating Forest 1-0 on Sunday. Jamal Lowe netted his first goal for the club, and will be looking to double his tally tomorrow night as Wigan look to break their away duck.

Although Wigan have the fourth best home record in the division so far this season, which includes keeping four successive clean sheets, their away form continues to haunt them. They have the joint worst away points total, having picked up just one point from a 2-2 draw at Hull City.

Captain Sam Morsy returns to the squad after missing the Forest match through suspension while Josh Windass and Anthony Pilkington will be pushing for starts after making cameo appearances off the bench on Sunday.

It certainly won't be an easy game for Cook's side, as they take on a Derby team that will be eager to bounce back after a defeat to Charlton Athletic at the weekend.

The Verdict

Joe Williams produced a man-of-the-match display on Sunday, controlling the centre of midfield throughout. The former Everton man has been Wigan’s standout player over the past month, and is starting to establish himself in a key role.

Lewis Macleod made his first start since August, and was outstanding. A midfielder that is positive and likes to break forward, while also possessing the ability to win back possession for his side.

The natural move would be to put Morsy straight back into the starting XI, however it wouldn’t be fair to drop Williams or Macleod after their performances against a good Forest side on Sunday.

Paul Cook will be tempted to name an unchanged line-up, apart from the forced change at right back. His side were very impressive on Sunday and perhaps he’s found his best team and they can finally grab an away win at Pride Park.