Two EFL Sleeping Giants Clash As Wigan Athletic Entertain Barnsley
Both sitting in the bottom half of the League One table, Wigan Athletic and Barnsley will look to gain maximum points to get back on track early on in the season.
Going into this fixture, Barnsley and Wigan have both had mixed fates so far. The Tykes currently sit 15th in the Sky Bet League One table on four points with one win, one draw and two losses.
Meanwhile, following their eight-point deduction, Wigan currently sit in 19th place in the Sky Bet League One table on two points after their unbeaten start to the season with three wins and one draw so far this term.
The highlight of the season so far for Barnsley was a 7-0 thriller on the opening day of the season against Port Vale at Oakwell, however, that was followed up by a 7-6 loss on penalties against League Two side Tranmere Rovers in the First Round of the Carabao Cup.
For Wigan, they have endured similar fates as they won 4-0 away on the first day of the season against Bolton Wanderers but were also beaten in the First Round of the Carabao Cup as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham beat the Tics 4-2 on penalties.
Looking at the last five meetings between the two sides, it is difficult to say who will come out on top as three of the last five meetings have ended in goalless draws with Wigan and Barnsley also taking a win each.
Players In Form
One of the players in form for Barnsley is Devante Cole scoring four of the 11 goals the Tykes have netted this season. Barnsley’s shot-stopper Liam Roberts, on loan from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough, is also a key figure as most fans of the Tykes have praised the saves he has been able to pull off keeping them in games against tough opponents.
For Wigan, one of the players in form is their number nine Charlie Wyke who has netted five out of the nine goals scored by the club. Another key contributor so far this term is Stephen Humphrys who has netted two goals this season.
Possible Line-Ups
Barnsley (4-5-1)
Roberts – Williams, Lopata, de Gevigney, Kitching (C) – Kane, Styles, Cadden, Phillips, Dallas – Cole
Wigan (4-2-3-1)
Tickle – Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Pearce – Smith, Aasgaard, Humphrys, Lang, McManaman – Wyke
