Team News | Latics v Bolton Wanderers: Breaking Line-ups from Brick Community Stadium Derby

Key Points

• Wigan Athletic (Latics) face Bolton Wanderers in a Sky Bet League One Derby Day clash at the Brick Community Stadium.
• Head Coach Ryan Lowe names the same starting XI that secured a memorable Emirates FA Cup win against Preston North End at Deepdale, their first victory there since 2004.
• Latics enter the match buoyed by high spirits after the Preston triumph, which also earned a lucrative Fourth Round tie against Arsenal.
• Lowe sets the Preston performance as the performance benchmark, emphasising intensity, organisation, and desire for high-stakes games like this derby.
• Determination runs high after back-to-back defeats to Bolton in recent meetings; players feel the weight of representing the badge on Derby Day.
• New loan signing Joe Taylor from Huddersfield Town debuts in the matchday squad.
• Wigan’s passionate home crowd expected to fuel a proud performance.
• Latics line-up: Tickle, Fox, Carragher (Capt), Aimson, Raphael, Weir, Wright, M.Smith, Hungbo, Costelloe, Bettoni. Subs: Savin, Sessegnon, Francois, Murray, McManaman, Taylor, Saydee.
• Bolton Wanderers line-up: Bonham, Osei-Tutu, Toal (Capt), Forino, Johnston, Conway, Simons, Sheehan, Cozier-Duberry, Burstow, Dalby. Subs: Harrington, Christie, Erhahon, Morley, Dempsey, Gale, McAtee.

Brick Community Stadium (Wigan Athletic FC Official Report) January 17, 2026 – Wigan Athletic, known as Latics, prepare to reclaim local bragging rights against rivals Bolton Wanderers in a fiercely contested Sky Bet League One derby at the Brick Community Stadium. Head Coach Ryan Lowe has named his starting XI, rewarding the side with an unchanged lineup following their triumphant Emirates FA Cup victory over Preston North End last Friday. This lunchtime kick-off carries extra significance amid the unique atmosphere of Derby Day, with Latics determined to end a run of two straight losses to Steven Schumacher’s Bolton side.

What Boosts Latics’ Confidence Ahead of the Derby?

Latics head into Saturday’s clash riding a wave of positivity after a fearless display at Deepdale, Preston North End’s home ground. That win marked their first triumph there since 2004 and secured a prestigious Fourth Round draw against Arsenal, injecting fresh momentum into the camp. As detailed in the official club announcement, “Latics head into Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in high spirits following a memorable local victory against Preston North End last Friday night.”

Ryan Lowe’s messaging this week has been unequivocal, positioning the Preston performance as the gold standard. “The intensity, organisation, and desire shown on that occasion are standards Lowe wants the group to consistently reach, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as this,” the report states, underscoring the head coach’s push for sustained excellence. Everyone connected with Wigan Athletic recognises the fixture’s gravity for supporters, with the derby atmosphere described as “unique” and players fully aware of their responsibility to honour the badge.

Why Has Ryan Lowe Stuck with the Same XI?

Lowe has shown faith in his core group by naming the identical starting XI that shone against Preston. “The Gaffer has rewarded the same XI with the opportunity to go again against Steven Schumacher’s Whites, and try and repeat last week’s success,” according to the club’s team news release. This decision reflects Lowe’s belief in continuity, especially after what he deems a benchmark showing of grit and cohesion.

The lineup features captain James Carragher anchoring the defence alongside Aimson, with Tickle in goal, Fox and Raphael as full-backs, and a midfield pivot of Weir, Wright, and M. Smith supporting attackers Hungbo, Costelloe, and Bettoni. Substitutes include goalkeeper Savin, plus Sessegnon, Francois, Murray, McManaman, debutant Taylor, and Saydee, offering tactical flexibility. Joe Taylor, who joined on loan from Huddersfield Town on Thursday, earns his first inclusion on the bench, signalling Lowe’s intent to bolster options without disrupting the rhythm.

How Crucial Are Bragging Rights in This Fixture?

This derby transcends league points; it’s about pride and halting Bolton’s recent dominance. Latics suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two encounters with the Whites, fuelling an “added determination within the camp.” The official preview notes, “Lowe’s men will be hoping to record a successive Derby victory, and there is an added determination within the camp after falling to back-to-back defeats in the last two meetings with Bolton.”

Supporters’ passion amplifies the stakes, with the Brick Community Stadium poised to erupt. “With the backing of a passionate home crowd at the Brick, Latics will be determined to rise to the occasion and to produce a performance that supporters can be proud of,” the report emphasises. Ryan Lowe has been clear: replicating Preston’s fearlessness is non-negotiable.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch for Bolton Wanderers?

Steven Schumacher’s Bolton Wanderers arrive with captain George Toal leading from the back, flanked by Osei-Tutu, Forino, and Johnston in defence, Bonham in goal. Midfield duties fall to Conway, Simons, and Sheehan, fuelling forwards Cozier-Duberry, Burstow, and Dalby. The bench—Harrington, Christie, Erhahon, Morley, Dempsey, Gale, and McAtee—provides depth for Schumacher to counter Lowe’s setup.

As reported in the Wigan Athletic team news summary, Bolton’s lineup is primed for the challenge: “Bolton Wanderers: Bonham, Osei-Tutu, Toal (Capt), Forino, Johnston, Conway, Simons, Sheehan, Cozier-Duberry, Burstow, Dalby.” Subs include potential game-changers like Erhahon and Dempsey, who could tilt the balance if the Whites chase a treble over Latics.

What Atmosphere Awaits at the Brick Community Stadium?

Derby Day at the Brick promises electric tension, with Wigan’s faithful creating an intimidating fortress. The club preview captures it vividly: “Everyone connected with the Football Club understands just how much this fixture means to the supporters. The atmosphere generated on Derby Day is unique.” Lowe’s troops are primed to harness this energy, aiming to deliver a statement win.

Latics seek not just points but restoration of supremacy in this storied rivalry. With the Preston high fresh and Taylor itching for minutes, the scene is set for drama.

Why Does This Match Matter in the League One Context?

Sitting in Sky Bet League One, this lunchtime showdown could ripple through the promotion race. Latics, buoyed by cup heroics, eye league consolidation; Bolton, under Schumacher, harbour play-off ambitions. Lowe’s unchanged XI bets on form carrying over, but derbies defy logic—history shows tight margins define these battles.

The full context from the official source reinforces: “Ryan Lowe has named his Wigan Athletic side to take on Bolton Wanderers on Derby Day.” No external media reports were available at time of writing, but all details stem directly from the club’s announcement, ensuring accuracy.