League One outfit Wigan Athletic and League Two side Salford City begin their EFL Trophy campaigns with a group-stage meeting at the Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Latics are two-time winners of the competition and enter this season determined to mount another strong run, having fallen at the second-round hurdle last term. By contrast, the Ammies, who lifted the trophy in 2019-20, have struggled in recent years and have failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of the last two campaigns.
Read our Wigan vs Salford predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Wigan vs Salford prediction: Low-scoring affair expected
Key statistics:
- Both Wigan and Salford have recorded under 3.5 cards in four of their last five fixtures across all competitions.
- The Latics have recorded three 1-0 victories in their last four home matches, underlining their strong defensive base at the Brick.
- Salford suffered a 1-0 defeat on their last outing away from home, showing their vulnerability on the road.
Correct score prediction: Wigan 1-0 Salford
Wigan’s strong home form is founded on a resilient defence that has delivered clean sheets in three of their last four matches at the Brick Community Stadium. Given their record and that Salford lost and failed to score in their most recent away game, another narrow victory for the Latics appears likely.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Host tipped slight favourites
- HOME: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- HOME: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes; subject to change.
Wigan head into the clash as narrow favourites, with odds of 11/10 (2.10) translating to a 47.6% chance of victory, reflecting the bookmakers’ lean towards the hosts, boosted by home advantage.
Salford, meanwhile, are priced at 21/10 (3.10), giving them an implied probability of 32.3% and positioning them as underdogs.
Most recent head-to-head: First-ever meeting
This will be the first competitive meeting between Wigan Athletic and Salford City. The clubs have never previously faced one another in league competition or cup football.
Wigan preview: Mullin pushing for a starting berth
Although not among the traditional heavyweights of English football, Wigan Athletic have enjoyed their share of historic success. Their most famous achievement came in 2013 when they stunned Manchester City to win the FA Cup. In addition, the Latics have twice lifted the EFL Trophy, doing so in 1985 and 1999, and they will look to emulate those successes this season.
The Latics approach this contest with a record of four wins, two draws and two defeats from their first eight matches of the season across all competitions. Their latest outing was a 1-1 draw against Stockport County in League One, a result that extended their unbeaten run to three matches (W1, D2). That sequence has left Ryan Lowe’s side positioned in mid-table with steady form behind them.
Manager Lowe may opt for a similar lineup to the one that faced Stockport at the weekend, although forward Paul Mullin is expected to come into contention. The striker has started both of Wigan’s cup matches so far this term and could be rewarded with another chance to lead the line.
Predicted lineup: Tickle (GK), Aimson, Kerr, Fox, Murray, Trevitt, Smith, Wright, Hungbo, Mullin & Saydee
- 30/08/25: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Stockport County
- 26/08/25: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Stockport County
- 23/08/25: Rotherham United 2-2 Wigan Athletic
- 19/08/25: Luton Town 1-0 Wigan Athletic
- 16/08/25: Wigan Athletic 2-0 Peterborough United
Salford preview: Robinson expected to field strong side
Salford have already enjoyed a taste of EFL Trophy glory, having triumphed in the 2019-20 edition. However, the Ammies have often found the competition difficult to navigate, with group-stage eliminations in three of their last five appearances, including both of the previous two campaigns.
Manager Karl Robinson will be eager to avoid another early exit and is likely to name a competitive side for the trip to Greater Manchester. Salford approach the match following a 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town at the weekend, which extended their run to two games without victory after a 1-0 defeat at Walsall the previous week.
With goals proving inconsistent, Robinson may recall last season’s top scorer, Cole Stockton, who could be paired with Nicolas Siri in a two-man attack.
Predicted lineup: Young (GK), Turton, Oluwo, Garbutt, Longelo, Woodburn, Grant, Butcher, Harris, Stockton & Siri
- 29/08/25: Salford City 1-1 Cheltenham Town
- 23/08/25: Walsall 1-0 Salford City
- 19/08/25: Newport County 0-1 Salford City
- 16/08/25: Salford City 2-1 Accrington Stanley
- 12/08/25: Salford City 0-0 Rotherham United (Salford won on penalties)
Player to watch – Paul Mullin
All eyes will be on Paul Mullin, who is on loan from Wrexham for the 2025-26 season. The forward has found league opportunities limited under Lowe, starting just once in six League One fixtures, with his only goal in the third tier coming from a six-minute cameo.
Nevertheless, Mullin has been given chances in cup competitions and has responded positively, scoring once in two starts. With another likely inclusion in the starting eleven on Tuesday, the 30-year-old will view this match as an opportunity to make his case for a regular role in the Latics’ league campaign.