Wigan boss at Bolton meeting and hopes for ‘special’ atmosphere.

Wigan boss Shaun Maloney sees no downside to his side hosting Wanderers on a weeknight.

The first leg at Toughsheet Community Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, but the return leg at Brick Community Stadium will take place on Tuesday, April 1.

Of course, all matches are subject to change due to TV selections, with Sky Sports set to broadcast more games live than ever before.

Maloney hopes the Latics will make the most of the schedule and create a “special” atmosphere under the lights when the Whites come to town.

“I only saw the games with everyone else, but I also like these big games played under the lights,” he told Wigan Today.

“We had Manchester United last year under the lights, and Bolton, the biggest games for our supporters.

“And when you have big games here under the lights, it creates an even more special atmosphere.

“I understand that moving her to Tuesday might make it difficult for some supporters, but personally I don’t see her as a negative on the fixture list.”

Wigan aim to build on last season’s 12th place finish in League One, which would have been higher had it not been for points deductions.

Maloney also commented on the likelihood of games being delayed due to international call-ups throughout the season, which could see three home games moved to midweek slots.

The Wigan boss insisted: “It’s not just us, it’s affecting the other teams and it’s just a sign of how strong League One is at the moment.

“The resources of some of the other clubs, the quality of young players coming into the Under-21s, as well as those in the Irish and Scottish national teams – the inevitable fixtures will have to move.”

He added: “Although we will lose out in terms of revenue, that will not correlate in terms of the budget for this season or anything like how we will travel this year. That has already been established.

“So while it’s not ideal, there’s no solution and there are a lot of clubs in the same boat.”