Match Preview: Barnsley FC vs Wigan Athletic - Saturday 23rd November 2024

Both teams enter this League One encounter in different situations; the home side Barnsley are looking to strengthen their position in the league and continue to fight for the playoff spots come the end of the season. Meanwhile, their opponents Wigan Athletic are looking to avoid relegation into league 2 after a poor run of games.

Form

Since losing to Huddersfield Town early last month, Barnsley have gone 5 games unbeaten in the league, picking up 3 wins and 2 draws. This makes them heavy favourites going into this fixture. Going up against a struggling Wigan Athletic side, Barnsley will be looking to secure another win to cement their place in the top six. In stark contrast, Wigan Athletic have failed to win any of their last 5 league games, and will be hoping to use their recent EFL Trophy success as a springboard. A positive result on Saturday will see them push up the table away from the relegation zone. If they secure all 3 points, it will be their first league win since October 1st.

With some talented youngsters and proven experienced players in the squad, Wigan’s form should change at some point; The Tykes will be hoping that isn’t the case this weekend. Despite being favourites, Barnsley actually have a stronger away record than at home, so this is definitely one to watch with intrigue as to what the final result will be.

Injuries

Barnsley enter this game with a clean bill of health and are expected to field a strong team on Saturday. Wigan Athletic will have to travel to Oakwell stadium without Luke Chambers, who is out with a back injury, and Jensen Weir, who is carrying an ankle injury. Both of these players have missed significant game time in recent weeks, which has potentially contributed to their poor run of form.

Key players

For the home side, midfielder Adam Phillips will be looking to continue his great start to the season, by adding to his 5 league goals scored so far. Midfielder Jon Russell has found some form of late, and they will be hoping that continues. Without doubt a talented footballer, who if can find some consistency could be a real asset for Barnsley for the remainder of the season.

Wigan Athletic will be relying on youngster and top scorer Thelo Aasgaard to help them return to form. Aasgaard was away playing for Norway U21s during the international break, so The Latics’ manager Shaun Maloney will be hoping he comes back injury-free and fresh to make an impact.