Chesterfield are swiftly back in action at the SMH Group Stadium after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Tranmere Rovers, as they face League One Wigan Athletic this evening (7pm) in the Vertu Trophy at the round of 32 stage.
The last meeting with third-tier opposition ended in a 2-0 loss at Exeter City, giving the Spireites all the more desire to get a result against strong opponents.
There is no denying the Wigan connection that exists within the playing squad and coaching staff at the SMH Group Stadium, but all attention will be firmly on the Spireites, who are just a handful of games away from Wembley.
Head-to-head
If history is anything to go by, the Spireites will struggle against Wigan, having last registered a victory over the Latics back in 1997.
The last time the two sides shared a division was in the 2015/16 League One campaign, where Wigan were promoted as champions.
The last meeting saw Chesterfield fall to a 3-1 away defeat thanks to goals from Max Power, Reece James and Michael Jacobs.
Shaun Maloney
After spending time with Wigan as a player, featuring in their FA Cup winning squad, Maloney was named manager in January 2023, nine months after he lost his first job in management at Hibernian.
Maloney has won 36 of his 97 games in charge at The Brick Community Stadium and guided Wigan to a mid-table finish last time around.
This season, Wigan are languishing in 18th position, so they will be hopeful of a strong festive period to fire them up the table as they look for a return to the Championship.
Player-in-focus
After spending time at Liverpool’s academy, Thelo Aasgaard transitioned into Wigan’s first team amidst their off-the-field struggles throughout covid.
The 22-year-old netted four times last campaign, but is already up to eight in all competitions this season and will be making the most of every opportunity as he continues to establish himself as an exciting forward.
