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Wigan Athletic FC
v Northampton Town FC
DW Stadium
League One Matchday 1
02-08-2025 14:00
Wigan Athletic Form
Northampton Form
Date: 02/08/25
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: DW Stadium
Wigan vs Northampton preview sees the League One season kicks off with Wigan Athletic hosting Northampton Town at the DW Stadium this Saturday. This fixture mirrors the closing clash of last season, where a late Dale Taylor goal secured a 1-1 draw. Ryan Lowe and Kevin Nolan – two Scouse managers with contrasting objectives – will lead their sides into a campaign where Wigan aim to push higher up the table, while Northampton seek to defy relegation predictions once again.
Wigan vs Northampton team news centres around key new signings and returning players. Wigan Athletic have strengthened with the acquisition of Paul Mullin from Wrexham, a notable move given his goal-scoring pedigree in the lower leagues. Mullin is expected to make his competitive debut, leading the line alongside Dara Costelloe, who spent last season on loan at Northampton and now returns on loan from Burnley.
Ryan Lowe’s side have also seen important returns from injury: Tyrese Francois, Stephen Sessegnon and Matt Smith are all available after shaking off niggles during pre-season. However, winger Dion Rankine is ruled out.
For Northampton Town, the squad is impacted by several early-season absentees. Tom Eaves, Jon Guthrie and Liam Shaw are sidelined due to injury. The return of Jordan Willis bolsters the defence, while talisman Sam Hoskins is fit again after missing the end of last season. Michael Forbes is poised to make his debut after joining on loan from West Ham, bringing fresh energy to the backline.
Wigan vs Northampton betting tips point to a tight encounter, particularly given both teams’ pre-season trajectories and limited attacking output last season. Wigan’s low goal tally in 2024/25 – just 40 goals – underscores their reliance on a strong defensive foundation. However, the addition of Paul Mullin adds a potentially decisive attacking threat. Pre-season results suggest momentum, with Wigan unbeaten across four matches and securing wins over Chorley, Accrington Stanley and Tranmere.
Northampton arrive with modest form, bouncing back from defeats to claim a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Birmingham City’s XI. However, their away record and lack of consistent goals remain concerns. Sam Hoskins is vital in the final third, while the integration of Michael Forbes in defence will be crucial in keeping Wigan’s new strike force at bay.
Both teams are expected to be cautious rather than expansive, especially with opening day nerves and key players still settling into rhythm. A draw or a low-scoring affair appears the value play.
Both clubs concluded last season with a draw, and our Wigan vs Northampton prediction suggests a repeat result would not surprise here. Wigan’s improved squad still needs time to gel, particularly in attack, while Northampton’s resilience under Kevin Nolan has been a recurring theme despite limited resources. Northampton’s backline looks more organised with the return of Willis and arrival of Forbes, and Wigan’s struggle to convert possession into goals could persist initially.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
Wigan vs Northampton score prediction leans towards another stalemate. Their last encounter finished 1-1, and the pattern of play could be eerily similar. Both sides have new players to bed in, and early season rustiness often results in tight contests. Wigan’s lack of recent high-scoring matches combined with Northampton’s limitations going forward make another 1-1 draw a logical forecast.
If forced to choose a side to edge it, Wigan’s home advantage and stronger pre-season case give them the slight nod, but punters should keep faith in the draw market.
Correct Score Prediction: Wigan 1-1 Northampton. Bet with bet365.
Wigan vs Northampton Over/Under goals prediction favours the Under 2.5 Goals market. Both clubs ranked among the lowest in goals scored last season, with Wigan in particular suffering from a blunt forward line. While Paul Mullin’s arrival is a significant boost, cohesion with his new strike partner Costelloe and the creative midfielders will take time to build.
Northampton’s best chance lies in frustrating their opponents and nicking a goal through Hoskins or Jacobs. Their recent results suggest defensive improvements, but offensive creativity remains modest.
Given the history of this fixture, with two goals or fewer in their last three meetings, and the cautious tone of many opening day matches, backing Under 2.5 Goals appears the most prudent approach.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
For a well-round Wigan vs Northampton Bet Builder tip, consider the following combination:
Paul Mullin to score anytime, Under 2.5 goals, Both teams to score – Yes.
Paul Mullin’s pedigree at lower league level makes him a clear candidate to find the net on his Wigan debut, especially as he’ll likely be on penalties and play as the central striker. Given Wigan’s defensive stability and Northampton’s ability to capitalise on limited chances, a 1-1 result fits this script perfectly.
A low-scoring draw with both sides managing to hit the net but failing to dominate reflects both sides’ current form and limitations – ideal for a value bet builder.
Bet Builder Tip: Paul Mullin to score anytime, Under 2.5 goals, Both teams to score – Yes. Bet with bet365.
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