Wigan Athletic begin their 2026/27 Sky Bet League One campaign on Saturday with a trip to Cambridge United. The Latics travel to the Cledara Abbey Stadium to face the newly promoted side on opening day.
Manager Gary Caldwell's team head into the fixture having already had competitive action this season. Latics drew 1-1 with Barnsley at Oakwell in the Carabao Cup before exiting on penalties. Dara Costelloe gave Caldwell's side the lead after a strong first-half display, with several opportunities created before Barnsley levelled late in the match.
Caldwell pleased with performance
Caldwell said the Carabao Cup tie provided an encouraging test ahead of the league campaign. "We're ready to go now. I think last week was a brilliant taste for what is to come this season," he said.
"I thought we performed extremely well, and with a full week's training, we're eager and ready to get our League One campaign off to a flying start. The first half against Barnsley, I thought we were outstanding."
Caldwell acknowledged the side could have been more clinical. "We could have been three or four in front, but that's a lesson that we have to be better and have to be more ruthless," he added.
Cambridge challenge ahead
Caldwell expects a difficult atmosphere at Cambridge. "Saturday will be a really difficult game in terms of the atmosphere. It's always tough playing a newly promoted side at their place on the opening day," he said.
The manager has faced Cambridge's Neil Harris before and knows what to expect. "Every time you play his teams, you know what you're going to get, and we have to be willing to run, compete and match their energy."
