Barnsley vs Wigan Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Wigan came up with the greater expectations having won League One last term but so far it is Barnsley who have made the greater impression on the Championship. The Yorkshire club have played some really good football at times and have been one of the most free-scoring sides in the league. They average 1.69 goals per game, a record bettered by only Newcastle and Norwich and unlike some sides they haven’t been reliant on one man to provide their goal threat, with players from all over the pitch popping up with goals. Wigan by contrast have the second worst goal-scoring record, with just 0.88 goals per game and that is something that new boss Warren Joyce will be keen to rectify.

His first game couldn’t have gone much worse however. A crushing 3-0 home defeat against Reading didn’t exactly set the tone he’d have liked particularly given he’s replacing the popular Gary Caldwell, who was perhaps a little unlucky to lose his job so early in the season, having enjoyed so much success last term.

Wigan did win their most recent away game at Cardiff but overall have still lost 62% of their away fixtures this season in the Championship. Barnsley have won twice as many games as them this season and look to have recovered from their poor run of form. They come into this game unbeaten in 3 and have looked more assured at the back with clean sheets in two of their last three games, one of which was away at an often free-scoring Brentford.

The bookies are having a hard time deciding on a favourite for this match which is a bit surprising. Barnsley have home advantage and have been far more impressive than the Lancashire club so far this season. Wigan clearly still have plenty of issues that need addressing and that won’t happen overnight, so backing Barnsley 0.00 Asian Handicap at 37/40 looks the more attractive bet here.