Wigan vs Preston Predictions

• Eight of Wigan’s first nine home fixtures last term featured fewer than three goals.
• Fewer than three goals were scored in eight of Preston’s last 11 away Championship games.
• Only three clubs scored fewer away goals than Preston last season and all three went down to League One.

Latics and Lilywhites may lack cutting edge where it counts

Fans hoping for a Lancashire hotpot when League One champions Wigan host Championship perennials Preston may be left hungry for goals. The Latics built their successful promotion campaign on a bedrock of solid defence while North End never really clicked as an attacking force under Ryan Lowe – although he did solidify them at the back after taking charge in December.

There’s been a big turnover of players at Deepdale after a number of contracts expired this summer but the Lilywhites have added wisely too. Preston beat off stiff competition to land Troy Parrott on loan from Spurs. He’s a fit boy and a willing worker, but his goalscoring credentials were only seen sporadically in League One – where he netted 10 times across 47 games in total for MK Dons.

Wigan have bounced through pre-season, recording four wins and a draw. Leam Richardson’s side thrashed Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 in their most recent outing, but were probably flattered by the scoreline.

First team to score wins

Saturday’s game could be decided by whichever team scores first with both clubs adept at keeping things tight once they are in front. Wigan won six of their last seven home league games in which they took the lead while PNE only let points slip twice after going in front on their travels.

Wigan’s better pre-season form and the fact that Preston conceded first in 14 of their 23 Championship away games in 2021-22 has us leaning in their direction for the match result. A 1-0 home win therefore looks like the best option in correct score betting while backing under 2.5 goals offers the safest route to profit.