Wigan
- Wigan's last five matches across all competitions have seen them win once, tie once and lose three times.
- Wigan have only scored three goals in four home League One matches this term.
- The Latics then beat League One high-flyers Blackpool 3-2 away in the EFL Trophy before losing 1-0 away to Stevenage in League One earlier today.
- Wigan's form has been poor to average at best since the beginning of the season, and their inconsistency was on full display just 72 hours ago.
Reading
- Reading's last five games across all competitions have seen them lose just once, win twice and tie twice.
- Reading are coming off the back of a 1-1 home draw against Bradford and an emphatic 5-1 win away to the Milton Keynes Dons earlier today.
- The Royals have started the season much better than the Latics, sitting 6th with 15 points from their first nine games, compared to Wigan's 24th placed 4 points from their eight outings.
Head-to-Head
Reading have the better head-to-head record in this fixture too, winning two of their last three visits to Wigan and winning four of their last five overall.
Key Players
- Leam Richardson has set up Reading in a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 system this season, utilising a double pivot to control the ball and prevent their opponents from flooding their half while also playing a calm transition game rather than an all-out pressing system.
- Gary Caldwell has set up Wigan in a team-first system that plays with a three centre-back base and wing-backs who push forward when they can.
- Jensen Weir has the most goals for Wigan with two in seven appearances in League One.
- Reading have conceded just five goals across four away League One fixtures this term.
- Jack Marriott has netted eight goals in the third division in just seven games, scoring two of Reading's last five goals in all competitions.
Betting Insights
- The odds for this game have Reading as the favorites at 2.1, a price that looks far too short for the Latics and the tie, which come in at 3.15 and 3.65 respectively.
- The price on both teams to score - Yes looks about right at 1.57, and over 2.5 goals at 1.7 is also very appealing.
- Wigan's lack of goals at home this season leaves them vulnerable, but Reading's superior form, table position and head-to-head suggests that they are the likelier winners.
Prediction
- Reading's superior form, table position and head-to-head suggests that they are the likelier winners.
- However, Wigan's ability to fight at home means that they can keep this result in the upset ballpark.