Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers - Jake Buxton ruled out as Owen Coyle returns to Wigan with Blackburn

Jake Buxton will be unable to make his home debut for Wigan when Blackburn make the short trip.

The defender, signed from Derby during the summer, was dismissed in the EFL Cup loss to Oldham - a game which saw boss Gary Caldwell make six changes.

The likes of goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, captain Craig Morgan and forward Yanic Wildschut are all candidates to return as the Latics look to get their season up and running following two defeats.

Nick Powell (groin) and Emyr Huws (ankle) remain doubtful while Andy Kellett (knee), Reece James (ankle) and Kyle Knoyle (elbow) are all still long-term absentees.

Sam Gallagher is available to make his Blackburn debut but manager Owen Coyle will be missing three players when he returns to the DW Stadium.

Towering striker Gallagher joined on loan from Southampton on Thursday, although Anthony Stokes' midweek brace, which took his tally to three from two, may ensure he features in the starting line-up along with Danny Graham.

Elliott Ward (ankle) and Corry Evans (groin) are still sidelined while Elliott Bennett will miss six weeks because of a hamstring injury.

Darragh Lenihan (knock) should be fine as Coyle heads back to Wigan for the first time since an ill-fated 23-game spell three years ago.