Jordan Storey was partnered in central defence alongside Tom Clarke. Huntington was out injured and Davies was dropped to the bench. Johnson who impressed as a substitute on Tuesday retained his place as Ledson was out injured.
North End started well and looked the better side. It was a strange showing from Wigan who never looked int he contest but the league table suggested a tough challenge lay in front of Preston.
Some players are now finding a return to form after a turbulent couple of months for Preston. Barkhuizen is one of those players and he added to his tally for the season by firing in the opening goal before 20 minutes were on the clock.
Robinson has been Preston's stand out player so far this season and he notched Preston's second goal after the break from inside the box to give Preston a deserved two goal cushion.
Wigan were then reduced to ten men when Gibson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Ben Pearson. It was deserved of a straight red and gave Wigan little chance of coming back into the contest.
North End were awarded a late penalty which Gallagher converted before Robinson saw a shot deflected into the net deep in stoppage time to give Preston an emphatic victory.
There were other chances in a game dominated by Preston including an effort from Browne which was several millimetres short of fully crossing the line.
Nmecha appears to be growing into his role up front and this victory might be the catalyst Preston need to kick start their season. The victory sees them move off the bottom heading into the international break.