Wigan Athletic will be “ahead of schedule” if they wipe out their points deduction at Carlisle United tonight.

That’s the view of manager Shaun Maloney, who is targeting a third straight League One win.

Such a result would take Wigan into a positive points total after their started the campaign with an eight-point deduction.

The Latics manager is delighted with their start which has seen back-to-back wins over Derby County and Northampton Town.

But he acknowledged it won’t be easy at Brunton Park, where Wigan will be backed by more than 1,000 travelling fans.

"It will be a little bit different tactically," he said on Latics TV.

"Every team brings its own challenges.

"I liked what we did on the ball against Northampton but I still want a bit better out of possession and that starts at Carlisle.

"We're creating a lot of chances but still giving up a little bit too many.

"I think Carlisle will try and press us high, but if they don't we have to find a way with the ball."

“It’s been a really positive start in the league,” the Wigan boss added.

“We set ourselves a target of six games to get into positive points, so we’re maybe a little ahead of schedule.

“But we know what football can do and we cannot get ahead of ourselves.

“We’ve got a tough game on Tuesday so let’s go again.”

Wigan’s relegation from the Championship last season was accompanied by a points deduction amid financial problems which saw them fail to pay players on time last term.

They have since been taken over by a company backed by local billionaire Mike Danson.

News and Star: Callum McManaman, right, who famously starred in Wigan's 2013 FA Cup victory, scored the winner on Saturday in his third spell with the clubCallum McManaman, right, who famously starred in Wigan's 2013 FA Cup victory, scored the winner on Saturday in his third spell with the club (Image: PA)

And they have started 2023/24 in positive shape, ex-Carlisle man Charlie Wyke’s double handing them an opening-day win over Derby.

They then saw off United’s fellow promoted side Northampton on Saturday, another 2-1 victory which saw returning winger Callum McManaman the hero with the winning goal.

It is his third spell with the club and Maloney, speaking in a club interview, said: “It was a brilliant day for Callum.

“It’s an incredible story and he deserves every bit of praise he gets.

“I’ve seen the progression he’s made while he’s been back here, all the work he’s put in, and I’m so, so happy for him.

“You can sense there’s something starting to happen with this club again and the crowd. Long may it continue.”

McManaman will be assessed ahead of the game because of a hip problem.