League Two side Swindon Town are hoping to create a major upset and progress into the next stage of the FA Cup, and their job is likely to be made easier seeing that Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is set to field an under-strength line-up. That, however, doesn’t mean that the Latics will not be looking to win this game.

Swindon back in business

After the shock relegation from League One, Swindon chiefs decided to take a gamble with former West Ham star Paolo Di Canio and their bold move has already started to pay off. Playing attractive football, completely uncharacteristic of English lower league clubs, the Robins managed to fourth place in the standings and are very motivated to gain promotion to League One. Considering they are in a very good form at the moment, Paulo Di Canio’s side are likely to try and attack Wigan, especially as Roberto Martinez plans to field what will be a second string line-up. However, despite the fact that Swindon have been pretty impressive at home this season, I seriously doubt they will be able to match their more illustrious opponents as the gap between Premier League and League Two is huge in my opinion.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio has no fresh injury worries and he is expected to field the strongest possible line-up.

Can Wigan reserves beat Swindon?

The mere fact that Wigan are fighting for their lives in the Premiership is likely to prevent boss Roberto Martinez from fielding his strongest sides against Swindon, but that doesn’t mean that the visitors will not try and make it to the next round. While the Spanish manager is expected to rest most of his starters, he is eager to see what his back-up players and youngsters can do, and I have no doubts that all the players in the starting line-up will give their best to impress the manager. Players like Emerson Boyce, Piscu, James McArthur, Shaun Maloney and Franco Di Santo are all expected to start and seeing that all these players boast a decent Premiership experience, I still see Wigan as hot favourites to win this match. The Latics have been doing well on the travels of late and I can see them qualifying for the next round.

Key players Rodallega, Gomez, Moses, Alcaraz and few others will be rested, but Gary Caldwell, Ben Watson and Franco Di Santo should start.

Verdict

Swindon are playing really well under Paolo Di Canio and the hosts are very motivated to make it to the next round, but the difference in class is huge between the two sides, even if Wigan will not be at full strength in this clash. I really cannot see how Wigan can fail to win this match.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.60 (8/5)

Bookmaker: William Hill