Europa League: Wigan Athletic v NK Maribor match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Europa League fixture at the DW Stadium

Tavares of Nk Maribor and James Perch of Wigan Athletic (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan Athletic put in a solid performance in their first ever European fixture drawing 0-0 away to Belgian side Zulte-Waragem and will now be looking for a win to give them a chance of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

Their opponents are Slovenian Champions Maribor who will be keen to get points on the board after they were demolished 5-2 at home to Rubin Kazan. Despite this Maribor have had a good start domestically this season and are top of the Slovenian League scoring twenty-four goals in eleven matches conceding only eight.

By comparison Wigan have had a steady start to their season in the Championship and currently find themselves mid-table with eleven points. However Owen Coyle’s side are unbeaten at home so far this season and with the Wigan faithful behind them they will be confident they can continue this record in Europe.

KICK-OFF: Thursday 20:05

PAST MEETINGS:

No previous meetings between the sides

STATS:

Wigan have only kept one clean sheet at home so far this season.

In four attempts Maribor have never beaten English opposition in Europe (1 draw, 3 losses).

Despite only scoring once in their last five matches in all competitions, Wigan have never failed to score at home this season.

In their last two appearances in the Europa League group stage Maribor have never won a match away from home.

ODDS:

Wigan to win: 1.65

Maribor to win: 4.3

Draw: 6.6

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 20:05