| Match Details | Information |
| Competition | League One – (England) |
| Round | 30 |
| Date & Time | 2026-01-31, 16:00 – (Include timezone BST/GMT). |
| Stadium | The DW Stadium |
Prediction – Wigan Athletic 2 – 3 Lincoln City
Recent Form
As Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City prepare to face each other in the 30th round of League One at The DW Stadium, both teams bring contrasting recent form into the encounter. Wigan Athletic’s last five league matches exhibit a mixed bag of results, with two wins, two draws, and a loss. Notably, they secured away victories against Wycombe Wanderers (2-0) and Cardiff City (1-0), which demonstrates their ability to perform on the road. However, the home defeat to Bolton Wanderers (0-1) and a high-scoring draw against Doncaster Rovers (3-3) highlight inconsistencies, especially in defense, as they have conceded multiple goals in some outings. In contrast, Lincoln City enters this match with a stronger momentum, having remained unbeaten in their last five league matches. Their impressive home victories over Bradford City (3-0), Burton Albion (2-1), and Peterborough United (5-2) showcase their attacking prowess and ability to dominate at home. The away draw against Luton Town (2-2) and a stalemate with Huddersfield Town (1-1) further underline their resilience and capacity to secure points in challenging fixtures. The head-to-head history between the two sides reveals closely contested encounters, with three draws and a win each in their last five meetings. This suggests a competitive fixture ahead, with both teams likely to be mindful of each other’s strengths. Wigan’s need for defensive solidity will be crucial against Lincoln’s vibrant attack, while Lincoln will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and capitalize on their offensive form.
Wigan Athletic Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Wycombe Wanderers Vs Wigan Athletic | 0-2 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 9 | 13 – 12 | 47% – 53% | 0 – 0 |
| Doncaster Rovers Vs Wigan Athletic | 3-3 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 3 | 13 – 6 | 7 – 13 | 48% – 52% | 1 – 2 |
| Wigan Athletic Vs Bolton Wanderers | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 1 | 1 – 5 | 15 – 17 | 31% – 69% | 0 – 0 |
| Cardiff City Vs Wigan Athletic | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 18 – 1 | 4 – 7 | 82% – 18% | 1 – 0 |
| Wigan Athletic Vs Barnsley | 1-1 | 0 – 1 | 1 – 0 | 8 – 6 | 11 – 7 | 39% – 61% | 1 – 1 |
Wigan Athletic’s recent performances in League One reflect a team with potential but also room for improvement. Over the last five matches, they’ve secured two wins, two draws, and one loss, illustrating a mix of resilience and inconsistency. A notable victory came against Wycombe Wanderers with a 2-0 win, showcasing their ability to control the game with 53% possession and nine corners, indicating a strong attacking presence. This result was complemented by a solid defensive display, keeping a clean sheet without conceding any cards. Their 3-3 draw against Doncaster Rovers highlights both offensive strength and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite having more possession, Wigan allowed three goals, pointing to potential lapses in their defensive organization. The match statistics, such as three yellow cards and fewer corners, suggest a competitive but disciplined performance. Wigan must address these defensive issues to maintain consistency in their results. The match against Bolton Wanderers, a 0-1 defeat, further emphasizes these defensive concerns. With only 31% possession and a single corner, Wigan struggled to assert themselves. However, their ability to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Cardiff City, despite having just 18% possession, demonstrates their capacity to capitalize on limited opportunities and defend a minimal lead effectively. The predicted lineup for Wigan, featuring a mix of experienced defenders like Morgan Fox and emerging talents like James Carragher, suggests a balanced approach. With no reported injuries, the team can field a strong starting eleven. Midfielders Fraser Murray and Callum Wright are expected to be pivotal in maintaining possession and linking play, while attackers Christian Saydee and Joe Taylor will aim to exploit any defensive weaknesses in their opponents. Overall, Wigan’s blend of attacking prowess and occasional defensive lapses will shape their approach at The DW Stadium. Focusing on capitalizing on set pieces and maintaining a disciplined defense will be crucial for their success in the upcoming match.
Lincoln City Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Lincoln City Vs Bradford City | 3-0 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 1 | 5 – 1 | 11 – 8 | 51% – 49% | 3 – 0 |
| Lincoln City Vs Burton Albion | 2-1 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 0 | 2 – 5 | 9 – 18 | 45% – 55% | 1 – 1 |
| Luton Town Vs Lincoln City | 2-2 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 5 | 8 – 7 | 21 – 14 | 56% – 44% | 2 – 2 |
| Lincoln City Vs Peterborough United | 5-2 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 3 | 6 – 7 | 7 – 18 | 32% – 68% | 4 – 2 |
| Lincoln City Vs Huddersfield Town | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 4 – 3 | 11 – 11 | 53% – 47% | 0 – 1 |
Lincoln City has demonstrated a robust run of form in their recent League One fixtures, showcasing both attacking prowess and resilience. Over their last five matches, they have secured three wins and two draws, an indication of their consistency and competitiveness in the league. A standout performance was the 5-2 victory against Peterborough United, where they were able to capitalize on their chances despite having only 32% possession. This match highlighted their clinical finishing and ability to thrive under pressure, with four assists reflecting their efficient link-up play. Defensively, Lincoln City has been disciplined, as evidenced by the absence of red cards in all five games. However, the relatively high number of yellow cards, particularly in the match against Luton Town where they received five, suggests a need for improved discipline to avoid unnecessary suspensions that could disrupt team cohesion. The predicted lineup is bolstered by the absence of injuries, ensuring that key players like George Wickens in goal and Freddie Draper up front are available. The presence of experienced defenders such as Tendayi Darikwa and Adam Reach provides stability at the back, while the midfield, featuring Conor McGrandles and Ivan Varfolomeev, is expected to maintain a balance between defensive duties and supporting the attack. Statistically, Lincoln City has shown versatility in their tactical approach. They managed a possession rate over 50% in two of the last five matches, suggesting an ability to control games when required. However, their success in matches with less possession, such as the encounter with Peterborough, indicates a proficiency in counter-attacking play. Going into the match at The DW Stadium, Lincoln City is likely to employ a flexible strategy, adapting to the flow of the game to leverage their attacking strengths while maintaining defensive solidity.
Team News & Injuries
Wigan Athletic Injuries & Suspensions
- No significant injuries reported.
Lincoln City Injuries & Suspensions
- No significant injuries reported.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record & Summary
H2H Last 5
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Lincoln City Vs Wigan Athletic (06 Sep 2025) | 2-2 | 1 – 1 | 5 – 0 | 7 – 11 | 10 – 13 | 42% – 58% | 1 – 2 |
| Wigan Athletic Vs Lincoln City (01 Feb 2025) | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 5 – 2 | 4 – 6 | 14 – 11 | 46% – 54% | 1 – 0 |
| Lincoln City Vs Wigan Athletic (21 Sep 2024) | 0-0 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 1 | 3 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 39% – 61% | 0 – 0 |
| Lincoln City Vs Wigan Athletic (13 Apr 2024) | 1-2 | 0 – 0 | 6 – 5 | 2 – 6 | 0 – 0 | 36% – 64% | 1 – 1 |
| Wigan Athletic Vs Lincoln City (09 Dec 2023) | 0-0 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 4 | 6 – 5 | 0 – 0 | 59% – 41% | 0 – 0 |
H2H Detailed Analysis
Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City have developed an intriguing rivalry in League One, characterized by closely contested matches. Analyzing their recent head-to-head record reveals a balanced history, with Wigan having a slight edge. Over the last five encounters, both teams have shared the spoils with two draws, while Wigan secured a narrow victory in April 2024. The matches have often been tight affairs, with Wigan generally enjoying more possession, reflecting their preference for a possession-based style. Notably, Wigan’s ability to maintain higher possession has not always translated into dominance on the scoreboard, as indicated by the multiple draws. Discipline has been a recurring theme in these fixtures, with both teams frequently receiving yellow cards and an instance of mutual red cards in their September 2025 clash. This points to a competitive and sometimes contentious nature in their meetings. Looking ahead to the upcoming match at The DW Stadium, both teams are fortunate to have no injuries or absences, allowing them to field their strongest lineups. Wigan’s predicted lineup suggests a focus on midfield strength, with players like Callum Wright and Fraser Murray likely to play pivotal roles in controlling the game. Lincoln City’s lineup, featuring defensive stalwarts like Sonny Bradley and Tendayi Darikwa, indicates their intent to withstand Wigan’s possession-based strategy. The tactical battle will likely hinge on whether Wigan can convert their possession into goals or if Lincoln can exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Given the historical balance and current form, another closely fought contest seems likely, with both teams keen to assert their dominance in this ongoing rivalry.
Predicted Lineups
- Formation: 3-1-4-2
- Players: Sam Tickle (Goalkeeper), Morgan Fox (Defender), Will Aimson (Defender), James Carragher (Defender), Fraser Murray (Midfielder), Callum Wright (Midfielder), Matthew Smith (Midfielder), Owen Moxon (Midfielder), Joseph Hungbo (Midfielder),Christian Saydee (Attacker),Joe Taylor (Attacker)
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Players: George Wickens (Goalkeeper), Tendayi Darikwa (Defender), Adam Reach (Defender), Sonny Bradley (Defender), Tom Hamer (Defender), Reeco Hackett (Midfielder), Jack Moylan (Midfielder), Conor McGrandles (Midfielder),Robert Street (Midfielder), Ivan Varfolomeev (Midfielder), Freddie Draper (Attacker)
