Wigan vs Blackpool prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-11-11 15:00.
If Wigan are to head into the World Cup break outside of the Championship relegation zone, they simply must beat Blackpool, but without a win in their last seven Championship matches (D1, L6) that seems unlikely. Itâs a massive fall from grace for Wigan, who at one point in the not too distant past occupied a play-off spot, which perhaps explains why boss Leam Richardson was relieved of his duties in the lead up to this clash.
The now jobless Richardson insisted after Wiganâs 0-2 midweek defeat against Coventry that the failure to make âbig momentsâ count is holding his side back, a problem interim boss Rob Kelly will hope to address on Saturday. Itâs an issue that has plagued them against Blackpool in recent times, with Wigan winning just one of the last eight home league H2Hs (D1, L6), which leaves them staring down the barrel of entering the break below the dotted line.
While Blackpoolâs form is not quite as dire as that of their hosts, three consecutive defeats âto nilâ certainly doesnât make for pleasant reading. That run culminated in a 0-3 midweek defeat against Middlesbrough, a result which sees Blackpool just two points above the drop zone coming into the round. Defeat here will see them enter the break below Wigan in the table, making this a psychologically important clash as well.
The Seasiders do at least have fond memories of visiting Wigan, clinching a 4-0 win on their Premier League debut away to Wigan in 2010! While a repeat result seems incredibly unlikely for a side who are closing in on nearly 300 Championship minutes without a goal, Blackpool can perhaps take heart from the fact that boss Michael Appleton has won three of his four managerial H2Hs against Wigan (L1).
Players to watch: Wigan may look to Will Keane to get them off to a good start with his last five goals being game openers. Although perhaps now known for his aerial prowess, Blackpoolâs Jerry Yates has scored four of his last five goals with his head.
Hot stat: Blackpool have led at half-time in a joint-league low three Championship games this season (HT: D9, L8).