Wigan vs Blackpool Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this League One clash. Wigan, sitting pretty in 11th, welcome a Blackpool side who are down in 23rd and looking over their shoulder. On paper, you'd fancy the Latics at home, but football's never that simple, is it?

Wigan are the definition of hard to beat. They haven't lost in their last ten outings across all competitions. The catch? They've drawn seven of them. They're the kings of the single point, with recent results like 1-1 at Huddersfield, 0-0 at home to Stevenage, and a string of other 1-1 scorelines. At home, they're even tougher to break down, conceding just 0.6 goals per game on average. They grind out results, like their 1-0 win over Burton and 1-0 victory against Port Vale. They don't score many, but they don't let many in either.

Blackpool, on the other hand, are a proper rollercoaster. One week they're smashing the league leaders Cardiff 3-1 at home, the next they're losing 3-0 to Reading or shipping four goals away at Harrogate Town. Their away form tells the real story: just one win in their last five on the road, with three defeats. They do score goals away from home (1.4 per game), but they leak them at the other end too (1.6 per game).

When these two have met, it's been a happy hunting ground for Blackpool historically, with five wins from nine. But the last two meetings have both ended all square, 1-1 and 2-2. So maybe the tide is turning a bit.

So, what's the play here? Wigan will be happy to keep it tight, especially at home. Blackpool will have a go – they average more shots and possession – but they're vulnerable on the counter. With Wigan's solid home defence and their tendency for low-scoring affairs, this has the feel of a cagey one.

Key Points:

Wigan are unbeaten in ten (3 wins, 7 draws) and are solid at home.

Blackpool's away form is poor, with just one win in their last five on the road.

Wigan concede only 0.6 goals per game at home.

The last two head-to-head meetings have ended in draws.

• Blackpool's games are higher scoring, but Wigan's defensive resilience should curb that.

All things considered, I fancy goals to be at a premium. Wigan's organisation against a Blackpool side that can be flaky away points towards a tight game. The value, for me, lies in Under 2.5 Goals.