Yanic Wildschut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics early season has been blighted by injuries, suspensions and international call-ups, but as more players return to the squad the prospects look bright. In particular, Latics now have plenty of goalscorers available for selection, although Craig Davies and Shaq Coulthirst remain on the injured list.

Long-term absentee Grant Holt has returned from injury, Haris Vuckic played 30 minutes for the Development Squad this week and forwards Jordi Hiwula and Samni Odelusi are in contention for a starting place.

But the three players, who I would suggest are most likely to make the biggest impact on League One defences are Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Michael Jacobs.

These three attacking players have the ability to ignite Latics promotion push. The three forwards have shown plenty of promise already, but when they have the chance to play together regularly they could be the players to turn Latics recent sequence of draws into victories.

The 23-year-old Middlesbrough loanee Wildschut has impressed already with his direct play, a wonder-strike at Crewe in the JPT and a good performance at Bury.

He is still lacking match fitness but he has undoubted ability and when fully fit he will be a thorn in the side of League One defences.

Will Grigg has been unavailable due to injuries and international call ups but he will surely benefit from having a player like Wildschut around him – a player who runs at defenders and can deliver quality service into the 18 yard box.

Grigg has only started six games but he has still managed to score three goals for his new team. We have still to see the best of him, but with a run in the team and the right service the goals will surely flow.

Michael Jacobs has been Latics most consistent player so far, he is a clever winger who can create opportunities for his teammates and is dangerous from set pieces.

Gary Caldwell has encouraged him to be more direct and score more goals and I would expect him to beat the eight goals he managed in Wolves promotion season in League One.

Latics currently sit just outside the play-off zone three points behind Sheffield United in sixth place and only eight points off top spot.

They certainly need to tighten up in defence, but they also have the players capable of scoring the goals to get them promoted at the end of the season.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 16th October 2015.