Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney has pledged to name a strong side to try and ensure victory at “old school” Brunton Park.
The League One side are hoping to avoid an FA Cup first round upset against Carlisle United.
And Maloney has played down any thought of making wholesale changes for the clash with the Blues – whilst also talking about his admiration for United’s ground.
“This isn’t a game to make loads of changes, said Maloney, speaking via his club’s official channels.
"We’ll be putting out the strongest team possible that I think will give us the best chance of winning the game,”
“It’s a competition we’ve got history in [Wigan won the Cup in 2013]. It’ll be nothing like the game in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy [when the Latics won 2-0 at Brunton Park in October].
“I really like Carlisle’s atmosphere – it’s an old school stadium, and when they get the momentum, the atmosphere is great. It’s going to be a proper cup tie.
“When the game starts, the crowd will be different and the intensity is completely different because you know your progression depends on that game.
“It’s a brilliant competition. It brings out a different side to you in these games.
“The big onus on our team is that we have to win the fight, and then the talent and tactical work will come through. Without the fight, the rest doesn’t matter."
Wigan sit 19th in League One and have won just one away game in the league so far, and one win in their last eight league outings overall.
This will be their sixth FA Cup meeting with Carlisle and the visitors have won all five of the previous encounters.
Jensen Weir could return after injury while Baba Adeeko is being assessed for the weekend. Luke Chambers and Callum McManaman are out.
The opposition boss has also sent a message of support to Carlisle striker Charlie Wyke, who played under Maloney at Wigan before his summer move to Brunton Park.
The Blues captain is out for the season with a fractured and dislocated ankle.
“It’s a horrendous injury,” said Maloney. Charlie [Wyke] is a really good man, and even before I came here, was extremely popular.
“He’s been through a hell of a lot, and I hope he gets back as quickly as he can in a really good place physically.
“Charlie was a big part of why we stayed in the league last year and I wish him well.”
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