Preston vs Wigan Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 9 January

Preston vs Wigan Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 9 January. As we look ahead to this FA Cup clash, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an intriguing encounter at Deepdale. Preston, playing at home, will be eager to make their mark in the competition, while Wigan will aim to upset the hosts and progress further in the tournament.

The significance of this FA Cup tie cannot be understated, as both Preston and Wigan are looking to advance and make a statement in this prestigious competition. Deepdale will be the battleground where these two English sides meet, with fans expecting a competitive and closely fought match. With both teams having a rich history in English football, this fixture is set to capture the attention of fans and bettors alike.

Preston vs Wigan Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Preston North End to Win	1.95

Preston North End’s recent performances at home make them strong candidates for victory in this FA Cup Third Round clash. Despite a few injury concerns, their squad depth and tactical flexibility should see them through against a Wigan side that has struggled to find form away from home.

• Preston have won two of their last three matches, showcasing both offensive and defensive strength.
• Wigan have scored in five consecutive tournament matches, but their current poor form and away struggles make them less likely to dominate.
• Playing at Deepdale, Preston’s home advantage could be the decisive factor given their recent solid performances.

Betting Odds

Preston are stepping onto their home turf at Deepdale as the favourites, with betting odds of 1.81 suggesting confidence in their ability to secure a win. Wigan, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 4.25, but they could offer a tempting punt for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Preston to win	1.81
Draw	3.4
Wigan to win	4.25

The draw is priced at 3.4, indicating that bookmakers expect a close contest. For those considering goal markets, given the FA Cup’s unpredictable nature, both teams to score could be a worthwhile option.

Preston Analysis & Past Performance

Preston’s recent form has been impressive, with a series of consistent performances. Over the last five matches, they have secured two wins, two draws, and suffered just one defeat. This run includes a noteworthy 3-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday and a solid 2-0 win away at Bristol City. Their ability to find the back of the net has been evident, with Preston scoring an average of 1.40 goals per game in their last five outings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Preston	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	4 Jan 2026
Preston	Sheffield Wednesday	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Wrexham	Preston	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Stoke	Preston	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Preston	Norwich	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLDD

Defensively, Preston have shown resilience, conceding only three goals across their last five fixtures and keeping three clean sheets, resulting in a goals-conceded average of 0.60 per match. This defensive solidity has been crucial in their current unbeaten streak. At home, however, they have managed only one win out of their last five games, indicating a potential area for improvement in capitalising on home advantage. The win ratio stands at 40% for both their last five and ten games, highlighting their competitive edge but also an opportunity to improve their ability to close out matches.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston head into their FA Cup clash against Wigan with the advantage of a fully fit squad. The absence of injuries and suspensions allows manager Paul Heckingbottom to deploy his strongest lineup, potentially maintaining the form and cohesion seen in their recent matches. This full availability is a significant boost, as it ensures tactical flexibility and depth across all positions.

With the likes of Daniel Iversen in goal and a defensive line featuring Odel Offiah, Jordan Storey, and Andrew Hughes, Preston can focus on solidifying their backline against Wigan’s threats. Midfielders such as Brad Potts and Ben Whiteman will be crucial in maintaining control and dictating the pace of the game. Meanwhile, forward Milutin Osmajić will look to capitalise on this continuity and maintain his attacking prowess.

Having a complete roster not only enhances Preston’s tactical options but also provides valuable competition for places, which can drive performance levels higher. The absence of injury concerns means the team can execute their strategies without the need for makeshift adjustments or compromises.

This scenario places Preston in a strong position to dictate the match’s tempo and potentially influence betting markets, as a full-strength squad often translates to a more formidable challenge for opponents. With no key players sidelined, Preston’s chances of progressing in the FA Cup are optimistically high.

Preston Key Players

Preston’s key players are pivotal in shaping their tactical approach. While specifics on their top scorer remain undisclosed, the forward line is expected to deliver, with the attackers being integral to breaking down Wigan’s defence. The midfield is likely to be the engine room, facilitating transitions and maintaining possession, which is crucial against a team like Wigan.

Defensively, Preston’s backline will need to be resolute and organised. The defenders are expected to play a significant role in neutralising Wigan’s attacking threats, potentially influencing the outcome of the match. Their ability to maintain a solid defensive structure will be vital.

Expected lineup for Preston

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Milutin Osmajić
• Midfield Pivot: Ben Whiteman and Jordan Thompson
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive organisation and efficient counterattacks.

Preston’s likely setup in a 3-5-2 formation emphasises a solid defensive base while allowing flexibility in attack. With Jordan Storey and Andrew Hughes anchoring the backline, Preston have achieved three clean sheets in their last five games, showcasing their defensive resilience.

The midfield is orchestrated by Ben Whiteman and Jordan Thompson, who provide stability and transition from defence to attack. Jamal Lewis and Brad Potts on the wings offer width and support both offensively and defensively, crucial for Preston’s strategic transitions.

Offensively, Milutin Osmajić is pivotal, spearheading the attack with support from Lewis Dobbin. Preston’s strategy often involves quick counterattacks, leveraging their defensive solidity to create opportunities during transitions, particularly effective against teams like Wigan who might leave spaces open at the back.

Wigan Analysis & Past Performance

Wigan’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with their last five matches resulting in one victory, one draw, and three defeats. Their most recent outing against Cardiff ended in a narrow 1-0 loss, highlighting their ongoing struggles to secure points away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cardiff	Wigan	1 – 0 (Defeat)	League One	4 Jan, 2026
Wigan	Barnsley	1 – 1 (Draw)	League One	1 Jan, 2026
Burton	Wigan	0 – 2 (Victory)	League One	29 Dec, 2025
Bradford	Wigan	2 – 1 (Defeat)	League One	26 Dec, 2025
Wigan	Blackpool	0 – 2 (Defeat)	League One	20 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• LDWLL

Analysing their attacking statistics, Wigan have managed an average of 0.80 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Their inability to consistently find the back of the net is evident, having scored in only three out of these five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, with only one clean sheet during this period. Their away performance does reflect some resilience, as they have secured two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five away games, which contributes to a 40% win ratio on the road.

Wigan Suspensions & Injuries

Wigan head into the match against Preston with no injuries or suspensions to report, offering manager Ryan Lowe the luxury of a full squad selection. This clean bill of health allows Wigan to field their strongest possible lineup, which could be crucial in an FA Cup tie where squad depth and tactical flexibility often play pivotal roles.

The absence of injuries means that Wigan can maintain their preferred formation and playing style without having to make any forced tactical adjustments. This continuity could provide a significant advantage, especially in maintaining defensive solidity and attacking cohesion.

With key players like Sam Tickle and James Carragher available, Wigan’s defensive setup remains intact, bolstering their chances of containing Preston’s forwards. In midfield, the availability of players such as Jensen Weir and Tyrese Francois ensures that Wigan can compete effectively for control in the central areas.

The full-strength squad gives Wigan the potential to exploit any weaknesses in Preston’s lineup, potentially influencing the betting markets in their favour. A fully fit team can also adapt to various in-game scenarios, providing Ryan Lowe with the flexibility to make strategic substitutions as needed.

Wigan Key Players

In the upcoming clash against Preston, Wigan’s attack will be spearheaded by their top scorer Callum Wright, who has netted one goal this season. Wright’s keen eye for goal and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a pivotal figure in Wigan’s offensive strategy. His positioning and finishing are expected to pose significant threats to the opposition’s defence.

Central to Wigan’s midfield dynamism is the influential role of their playmakers, who are expected to orchestrate play and link up the defence with the attack. In particular, the midfield’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball efficiently will be crucial in breaking down Preston’s defensive lines. This tactical approach aims to create scoring opportunities for Wright and other forwards.

Defensively, Wigan’s backline will be tasked with maintaining a solid structure to thwart Preston’s attacking advances. The defenders’ ability to read the game and execute timely interceptions will be key to keeping a clean sheet. Collectively, these key players will shape Wigan’s tactical approach, emphasising a balanced and cohesive performance at both ends of the pitch.

Wigan Tactics and Formation

Wigan Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 3-5-1-1
• Key Forward: Dara Costelloe
• Midfield Engine: Jensen Weir and Tyrese Francois
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence led by Will Aimson
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counterattacks and compact defence.

Wigan’s recent tactics under Ryan Lowe have revolved around a three-man defence, with James Carragher, Will Aimson, and Morgan Fox expected to form the backline. This setup aims to provide defensive solidity while allowing wing-backs Fraser Murray and Raphael Borges Rodrigues to push forward.

In midfield, Jensen Weir and Tyrese Francois are pivotal, tasked with breaking up opposition play and launching quick transitions. Callum Wright, operating just behind the forward, will look to exploit spaces and provide support to Dara Costelloe, the focal point in attack.

Offensively, Wigan rely on fast counterattacks, utilising the pace of their midfielders to transition quickly from defence to attack. However, their recent form shows vulnerabilities, having only managed one clean sheet in their last five games, which could be a concern against Preston’s attacking threats.

Preston vs Wigan Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Wigan have a slight edge over Preston with seven wins to Preston’s six, alongside four draws. The last time these two met, Preston came out on top with a 2-1 victory in the Championship back in February 2023. This match was a close contest, but Preston managed to secure the win away from home.

The last time Preston hosted Wigan at Deepdale was in August 2019, when they convincingly won 3-0 in a Championship fixture. This result might give Preston fans some confidence heading into this FA Cup tie, although Wigan’s overall head-to-head advantage suggests it could be a tightly contested affair.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Preston North End	Wigan Athletic	2 – 1	Championship	2023-02-25
Wigan Athletic	Preston North End	0 – 0	Championship	2022-07-30
Wigan Athletic	Preston North End	3 – 2	Friendly Match	2021-07-30
Wigan Athletic	Preston North End	1 – 2	Championship	2020-02-08
Preston North End	Wigan Athletic	3 – 0	Championship	2019-08-10