Wigan Athletic enter Tuesday’s EFL Trophy clash against Wolves Under-21s knowing that anything less than victory could seal their elimination from the competition. The Latics’ opening 2-0 defeat to Salford City means their hopes hinge on this match — especially if Salford and Stockport County draw.
Ryan Lowe’s side have struggled for consistency lately, going four games without a win (D1 L3) and scoring just twice during that stretch. Their most recent outing against Plymouth highlighted familiar issues in attack — Wigan managed six shots in the second half, four of which came after the 80th minute.
Despite those inefficiencies, the underlying numbers tell a different story. The Latics have generated 17.3 expected goals (xG) this season — the third-highest in League One — suggesting that their attacking performances haven’t been as poor as their finishing indicates.
Defensively, however, Wigan remain vulnerable. They’ve conceded nine goals in their last four games and have failed to win four of their previous five home fixtures, a record that could concern Lowe heading into this do-or-die encounter.
Wolves U21s dangerous but inconsistent
Wolves Under-21s come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester in Premier League 2, scoring three times in the final 17 minutes. The young Old Gold have shown both attacking flair and defensive fragility, a combination that makes them entertaining but unpredictable.
James Collins’s side were beaten 5-3 by Stockport County in their EFL Trophy opener and will be eager to make amends, though their recent away record doesn’t inspire confidence — no wins in four on the road, losing three of them.
Still, Wolves have scored at least two goals in four of their last five away games, proving that they have the attacking tools to trouble a Wigan defence that’s been leaky in recent weeks.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled for clean sheets and are far more comfortable going forward than sitting back. Wigan’s need for a win should open the game up, while Wolves’ attacking youngsters have the pace and confidence to exploit space on the counter.
