WIGAN may have a sparkling stadium but the Latics' home form this season has been anything but glittering.

Paul Jewell's men have already lost five times at the JJB this season, with Bristol City, QPR, Wrexham, Port Vale and Colchester all waltzing away with three points.

It is a far cry from last season when Wigan lost just two games on their own turf and reached the play-offs.

A summer of upheaval saw Steve Bruce vacate the manager's seat after the briefest of spells in charge and be replaced by former Bradford and Sheffield Wednesday boss Paul Jewell.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll also left the club after Manchester United paid £2.5 million to secure his services.

Whether it was the change of manager or a play-off headache, the Latics have looked a pale shadow of their former selves.

After a mediocre start, the Latics embarked on a dreadful run. After losing 2-1 at home to QPR on September 22, Jewell's men went six matches without a win.

Struggling Wrexham won 3-2 at the JJB on October 20 before the Latics staged something of a recovery with victory at Tranmere.

Wigan's last six games have summed up their inconsistency.

Defeats at home to Colchester and Port Vale were mixed in with a 6-1 thrashing of Stoke City and a 2-0 win at Peterborough United.

While the home form has been poor, the saving grace has been form away from the JJB.

The Latics have notched up four victories on their travels and that has been enough to keep them hovering just above the relegation zone.

But there is no doubting that the Latics have the players to make a promotion challenge.

Former Coventry striker Simon Haworth has already netted nine goals, including one in the 2-0 win at Northampton on Saturday.

Former Wolves man Tony Dinning, also on target at Sixfields last week, has bagged four, Lee Ashcroft has chipped in with three while ex Barnsley front man Andy Liddell has two.

However, suspension means neither Dinning or Ashcroft will be in the Latics line-up to face Town.

But it is not just in attack that Wigan are a threat.

Former Manchester United central defender Pat McGibbon has established a solid partnership with former Barnsley man Arjan De Zeeuw.

Jeff Kenna played with Blackburn Rovers during the Jack Walker golden years and Peter Kennedy served Watford with great distinction for many years.

But just to rub salt in the wounds, the poor home form is not exclusive to league games.

Just mention Canvey Island in the FA Cup and watch the colour drain from Wigan fans' faces.