Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: The DW Stadium
Competition: EFL League One
Setting the Scene
Barnsley head to the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, hoping to end a four-match winless run and grab a first victory under interim boss Conor Hourihane. With eight games left and eight points separating the Reds from the playoff pack, this clash against a struggling Wigan side could be a last roll of the dice.
Wigan, now managed by Ryan Lowe after parting ways with Shaun Maloney earlier this month, currently sit 18th in League One. They may boast the best defensive record outside the top six, but they’re also the lowest scorers in the division – a stat that offers encouragement for a Barnsley side in need of a spark.
Despite recent setbacks, the Reds still have the fourth-best away record in the league. Their tally of 10 wins on the road is unmatched, and with four of the last six visits to Wigan ending in Barnsley victories, history may be on our side.
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Points Per Game | League Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wigan Athletic | W L D W L | 1.40 | 18th |
| Barnsley | W L L L D | 0.80 | 11th |
Barnsley have picked up just one point from their last four matches and desperately need a turnaround. Wigan are hardly setting the league alight either, but their home form has steadied in recent weeks.
Team News
Barnsley
The Reds continue to deal with injuries, particularly in defence. First-choice goalkeepers Joe Gauci and Jackson Smith are both out, meaning academy graduate Kieran Flavell is set to make his second consecutive start. Marc Roberts, Barry Cotter, Georgie Gent and Josh Earl also remain sidelined.
Likely XI: Flavell; De Gevigney, Pines, McCarthy; Benson, Russell, Connell, O’Keefe; Phillips, Keillor-Dunn, Lewis.
Wigan Athletic
Ryan Lowe is without Tyrese Francois, Will Goodwin, Joseph Hungbo, Kai Payne, Dion Rankine, Matt Smith and Silko Thomas. Forward Chris Sze is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench against Charlton, while Dale Taylor remains their chief goal threat.
Likely XI: Tickle; Carragher, Aimson, Kerr, Mellish; Smith, Norburn, Weir; Dale, Taylor, Sze.
Key Battles
- Keillor-Dunn vs Jason Kerr – Barnsley’s leading scorer needs to rediscover his spark. Kerr will be tasked with shutting him down at the heart of Wigan’s defence.
- Connell & Russell vs Norburn & Weir – With both midfields capable of controlling the tempo, this could be a game won or lost in the engine room.
- Flavell vs Wigan Attack – The young keeper did enough to earn another start, but will face questions if Wigan manage to test him early.
Match Stats
| Stat | Wigan Athletic (Home) | Barnsley (Away) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 1.22 | 1.63 |
| Goals Scored Per Game | 0.94 | 1.37 |
| Goals Conceded Per Game | 1.11 | 1.26 |
| BTTS % | 33% | 63% |
Despite Wigan’s struggles in front of goal, their defensive numbers are solid. Barnsley, on the other hand, concede more on the road but also score more frequently – suggesting goals may not be out of the question here.
What’s at Stake?
Let’s be honest – most Reds fans have already written off any lingering hopes of the play-offs. Eight points adrift with eight to play, it’s no longer about dreaming of promotion – it’s about pride, momentum, and giving Conor Hourihane something to build on. A win here won’t change the table overnight, but it might just restore a bit of belief on the terraces.
For Wigan, a win would help solidify their League One status under new boss Ryan Lowe and offer encouragement for the final run-in.
Prediction
Barnsley’s away form still gives reason to believe, even amid the injury chaos and recent rut. Wigan may be defensively solid, but their lack of firepower could give the Reds just enough breathing space to edge it – if the front three can click.
Score Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Barnsley
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