The MK Dons head coach spoke ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic deserve a lot more than three consecutive defeats at the start of the season according to MK Dons boss Paul Warne.

The head coach takes his side to The Brick Community Stadium this evening (Wednesday) also seeking their first win of the season, but three draws against Oxford United, Huddersfield Town and Leicester City have Dons is a slightly more comfortable position heading into September.

Gary Caldwell’s Latics were narrowly beaten by AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, a result which Warne believes flattered the hosts at Plough Lane and signals that Wigan are not a side worthy of sitting bottom of the League One table.

“Wigan’s performances justify more than zero points,” he said. “At AFC Wimbledon, they played really well, missed a couple of gilt-edged chances which could have taken them all three points. I don’t judge anyone on points yet, things need to even themselves out.

“There seems to be a lot of good teams in the league this year, possibly more than I thought. I’ve spoken to two different managers this season who are saying the same thing, that everyone has upped their game.

“I don’t know if there will be a runaway leader, or two teams who romp away with it. I think the top ten will be cagey and close, which is great for a neutral.

“Whatever combination of teams you could have put down for us would have been a tricky start. No game at this level is a walk in the park. You’ve got to be good at a lot of things, ride your luck at times, defend well and take your chances.”

Discussing the threats Wigan can cause his side, Warne continued: “Gary likes to play really good football, they always cause problems. Jon Mellish is in that back three, and I love him, he was great for us. They’ve got a mix of younger players and experience, and they want to play through the thirds.

“I always expect them to want to play and look after the ball. They’ll be keen to get their first win after a tough away trip.

“We like going to play in bigger stadiums on bigger pitches because it suits the way we play. I’d much rather than take Wigan on there than at Springfield Park where some amazing football was played years ago!”