Wigan vs Northampton Predictions

• Wigan won two and drew six of their last eight League One games in 2024–25
• Northampton managed just one win in their final four away fixtures last season
• The Latics scored the fewest goals in League One last term but boasted a top-three defence

Wigan well-drilled but short on firepower

Aiming for a fast start to the new League One season, Wigan Athletic welcome Northampton Town to the DW Stadium on Saturday. Ryan Lowe’s men ended the last campaign unbeaten in eight, but found it hard to turn draws into wins.

Lowe will attempt to build on the Latics’ stingy defensive record from last season with more goals and has signed out-of-favour Wrexham striker Paul Mullin on loan. Pre-season has delivered wins over Chorley, Accrington and Tranmere and a gritty draw against Curzon Ashton.

Attacker Dara Costelloe, so impressive on loan at Northampton, is now a Wigan player and expected to be central to Lowe’s plans. But they must find creative ways to score, as last year’s 40-goal haul was the league’s lowest.

Cobblers’ struggles continue on the road

The Cobblers avoided the drop by five points last term and will hope Kevin Nolan’s demanding pre-season prepares them for another battle. A morale-boosting 3-0 win against Birmingham’s youngsters followed heavy defeats to Millwall, Cambridge and Norwich, plus draws with Brackley and West Ham U21s.

With the lowest expected goals (xG) away from home last term and just one win in their last six on the road, Town look unlikely to win this opening contest unless something drstically improves. Wigan’s defensive solidity, bolstered by a bright pre-season and the addition of Costelloe, make them the side to back.