Championship meets League One in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night as Preston welcome Wigan to Deepdale. The hosts will be expecting to have no dramas as they play in the higher division, currently sitting in fourth place and pushing for automatic promotion up to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the visitors are struggling a bit in League One, currently languishing in 15th spot. However, they do have fond memories of the FA Cup, having won it as underdogs in 2013 after beating the mighty Manchester City 1-0 in the final.
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Preston vs Wigan prediction: Hosts to sail safely through?
Key stats
- Preston have won their last two games to nil.
- Wigan have won just once in six league matches.
- Preston are also unbeaten in the previous four competitive H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Preston 2-0 Wigan
Given their home advantage and the fact they play in a higher division, Preston should be favourites to win this tie and therefore progress into the fourth round. As has been the case in recent victories and H2Hs on home soil, we are also backing them to keep a clean sheet.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Preston favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Preston are unsurprisingly the favourites with bookmakers to claim victory on home soil. A draw after normal time and a Wigan victory are both rated at under 30%, thus deemed unlikely in comparison.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Preston aiming to extend unbeaten streak
As mentioned before, Preston are unbeaten in the last four competitive meetings between the two sides. Three of their last four home H2Hs have also been won to nil as well, so they should be comfortable at Deepdale.
England Championship 25/02/23
Preston
Wigan
England Championship 30/07/22
Wigan
Preston
UK Friendlies 30/07/21
Wigan
Preston
Preston preview: No fresh concerns
Preston have reported no fresh concerns in their squad at the time of writing. Both Lewis Gibson and Robbie Brady are still out injured for the hosts.
Predicted lineup: Walton (GK); Lindsay, Storey, Hughes; Valentin, McCann, Whiteman, Small; Smith, Jebbison & Keane
Last five results:
- Bristol City 0-2 Preston
- Preston 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday
- Wrexham 2-1 Preston
- Stoke 0-0 Preston
- Preston 1-1 Norwich
Paul Mullin has returned to Wrexham from his loan spell, so Wigan will be unable to call upon him for this clash. Isaac Mabaya, Jack Rogers and Ryan Trevitt are all out injured for the visitors as well.
Predicted lineup: Tickle (GK); Carragher, Aimson, Fox; Smith; Murray, Francois, Wright, Rodrigues; Saydee & Costelloe
Last five results:
- Cardiff 1-0 Wigan
- Wigan 1-1 Barsnley
- Burton 0-2 Wigan
- Bradford 2-1 Wigan
- Wigan 0-2 Blackpool
Player to watch: Lewis Dobbin
Lewis Dobbin has now scored in each of his last two appearances for Preston, and so is a man that Wigan will have to mark tightly. The attacker will be aiming to fill his boots against lower-league opposition.