England Johnstone - Wigan Athletic VS Nottingham Forest U21 Prediction

England Johnstone - Wigan Athletic VS Nottingham Forest U21
Match Time:13-11-2024 03:00 Wednesday (UTC+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Analysis
Wigan Athletic is facing a critical match against Nottingham Forest U21 in the EFL Trophy as they aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages. After a difficult start to the season, highlighted by their recent sixth loss against Wycombe, Wigan finds themselves just above the relegation zone. Despite their struggles in league play, they have an opportunity to salvage their campaign in the EFL Trophy. Manager Shaun Maloney may choose to rotate his squad, giving younger players a chance to shine. However, Wigan's defense has shown some resilience, keeping eight clean sheets in their last twelve competitive matches.

Nottingham Forest U21, on the other hand, comes into this match with confidence after a commanding 5-1 victory over Hull City U21. They have managed to stay at the top of the Premier League Cup standings and are keen to replicate their success in the EFL Trophy after a promising debut last season. Coach Warren Joyce is likely to stick with a winning lineup, aiming to build on their momentum and advance to the next round of the tournament.

Head-to-Head
In terms of past encounters, Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest U21 have not faced each other frequently. However, Wigan's historical experience in cup competitions gives them an edge. With Wigan's current focus on solidifying their defense and Nottingham Forest's attacking prowess, this matchup could be closely contested, with both teams looking to capitalize on any defensive lapses.

Prediction
The prediction for this matchup leans towards under 3.5 goals. Both teams have shown tendencies to keep matches low-scoring recently, with Wigan averaging just 1.7 goals per match in League One. Despite Nottingham Forest U21's recent scoring form, they may struggle to break through Wigan's solid defense. As a result, a narrow victory for Wigan, possibly around 1-0 or 2-0, is anticipated in what is expected to be a tightly contested game.

Pick: Under 3.5 goals