Wigan Athletic: Shaun Maloney has to make positive Jordan Jones, Thelo Aasgaard call - View | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic manager Shaun Maloney should be looking to roll the dice after recent losses and select Jordan Jones alongside Thelo Aasgaard

Wigan Athletic's aim for the 2024/25 League One season is to be in contention for a play-off spot, but the Latics have endured a tricky start to the new campaign.

An opening day 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic in the third tier was a tough pill to swallow, especially after the Latics had played well for long periods of the game.

However, the Greater Manchester side were not able to provide a positive reaction to this setback, and suffered another defeat, this time via a penalty shootout, as they hosted fellow third tier outfit Barnsley in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Then, on Friday morning, star defender and England youth international Charlie Hughes left the Brick Community Stadium to join Championship side Hull City.

The Latics travel to Reading for their first away trip of the season on Saturday, and manager Shaun Maloney should be looking to make tactical changes as he searches for his first positive result of the campaign.

Maloney should make key Jordan Jones, Thelo Aasgaard decision

Winger Jordan Jones left the Latics after his contract expired at the end of last season, but while he is yet to find a new club, the former Sunderland man returned to the Brick Community Stadium on a short-term deal ahead of the campaign.

The tricky winger appeared as a substitute during both Wigan's League One match with Charlton last Saturday, as well as in the EFL Cup defeat to Barnsley, and made a positive impact both times, especially against the Addicks as he nearly scored a late equaliser, seeing a long range effort flash wide of the posts.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, who was prolific during pre-season as he scored five goals, has been played out wide on the left in order to accommodate the presence of academy graduate Chris Sze in the first team, who has been playing in the playmaker's usual central role.

As the Latics travel to Berkshire with the objective of picking up all three points on Saturday, Maloney should look to start Jones on the left wing, which would allow Aasgaard to play in his best position.

From the number 10 position last campaign, the Norway youth international scored on eight occasions in League One, a tally he looks set to better if his pre-season form is anything to go by.

Meanwhile, Sze's youthful energy could make a real difference from the bench, especially against tiring defenders in the second half.

Furthermore, the Latics may not have the option of Jones at their disposal for too long, as he is on a short-term deal, while according to HITC, Championship trio Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, Millwall and League One title contenders Birmingham City are all keen on the winger's signature.

Such transfer interest demonstrates Jones' ability, so he is a player that Maloney should look to get the best out of while he remains in Greater Manchester, and hand him starting 11 opportunities.

The Greater Manchester side travel to Berkshire with a lack of momentum on their side following their recent defeats, making their clash with the Royals all the more important.

The Latics can get their season moving in the right direction with a victory on the weekend, while the club's remaining August fixtures do not get any easier.

Following their visit to Reading, the Tics host newly promoted Crawley Town on Saturday 24th August, and Scott Lindsey's men have adjusted well to life in the third tier so far, with an opening day victory over Blackpool, followed by an EFL Cup win over Swindon Town.

The Latics then travel to title favourites Birmingham City on August Bank Holiday weekend, which could be a difficult day at the office for Maloney and co.

But the Greater Manchester outfit can head into these fixtures with confidence if they are able to defeat the Royals, and the decision to start Jones alongside Aasgaard could help the Latics do just that.