Wigan vs. Charlton: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This game is expected to be close between the former Premier League clubs. Charlton has a slight advantage for this fixture, having won this fixture 3-2 at the Brick Community Stadium (DW Stadium).

Matthew Godden was brought in to replace the outgoing Alfie May. Matthew Godden scored six in 23 starts for Championship side Coventry City last season, averaging 0.7 shots on target per game. Charlie Hughes will likely commit a foul, having received ten yellow cards last season and conceded 0.9 fouls per game. Lloyd Jones committed 0.8 fouls per game last season. Lloyd Jones is another player we have earmarked in the referee's book after he committed 0.8 fouls per game last season.

With Charlton getting the better of Wigan Athletic last season, we place them as the winners of this game.

Wigan 1-2 Charlton.

The opening weekend of the new League One season promises an intriguing encounter as Wigan Athletic hosts Charlton Athletic.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 17:30
• Location: Brick Community Stadium, Wigan

Wigan Athletic finished 12th in League One last season with 62 points. This position, however, doesn't fully reflect the difficulties they faced throughout the campaign. The Latics began the season with an 8-point deduction due to financial issues, a setback that significantly impacted their league standing. Without this deduction, Wigan would have finished 10th, highlighting the potential of the squad despite off-pitch challenges.

Under the management of Shaun Maloney, Wigan navigated through turbulent times with commendable resilience. His ability to motivate and extract performances from his players amidst uncertainty off the pitch has been widely praised. Maloney’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the club’s competitive spirit, and his efforts have laid a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

Wigan's summer transfer activity has been astute, focusing on strengthening the squad with a mix of youth and experience. One of the key signings is centre-back Will Aimson from Exeter City. Aimson brings a wealth of experience and defensive solidity, qualities that Wigan will need as they aim for a top-half finish.

Another significant addition is Dion Rankine, a versatile player who can operate as a right wing-back or midfielder. Signed from Chelsea, Rankine's technical ability and adaptability make him a valuable asset for the team.

In addition to permanent signings, Wigan have also secured promising young talents on loan. Calvin Ramsay, a right-back from Liverpool, is expected to inject pace and dynamism into the team's defensive line. Michael Olakigbe, a winger from Brentford, and Joe Hugill, a striker from Manchester United, bring youthful exuberance and potential to the squad. These loan signings represent Wigan’s strategy of blending experienced players with emerging talents to create a balanced team capable of competing at the top end of the table.

Wigan Athletic enter the new season as a team full of potential. With a solid defence bolstered by recent signings and a midfield that combines experience and youth, the Latics have the foundation to build a successful campaign. However, questions remain regarding their attacking prowess. The performance levels of young players like Olakigbe and Hugill will be crucial in determining whether Wigan can challenge for a playoff spot.

Charlton Athletic endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing 16th in League One. The Addicks were widely tipped as promotion favourites at the start of the season but struggled to meet expectations. A series of managerial changes saw them cycle through four managers, each failing to ignite the team’s potential.

The club eventually appointed Nathan Jones, a former manager of Luton Town and Southampton, to steer them through the latter part of the season. Jones, known for his success in the EFL, faces the challenge of reviving Charlton's fortunes and guiding them back to the upper echelons of the league.

Nathan Jones's appointment brings a renewed sense of optimism at The Valley. Despite his challenging stint with Southampton in the Premier League, Jones has a track record of success in the Football League. His ability to build cohesive and competitive teams in the EFL is well-documented, and Charlton supporters hope he can replicate this success with the Addicks.

Charlton's summer transfer window has been marked by strategic signings aimed at bolstering their attacking and midfield options. The departure of top scorer Alfie May to Birmingham City was a significant loss, but the club has moved swiftly to address this gap.

Forwards Gassan Ahadme and Matt Godden have arrived from Ipswich Town and Coventry City, respectively. Both players are proven performers at this level and bring experience and goal-scoring ability to the squad. Ahadme's physical presence and aerial prowess complement Godden's intelligent movement and finishing skills, providing Charlton with a well-rounded attacking duo.

In midfield, the additions of Greg Docherty from Hull City and Luke Berry from Luton Town are noteworthy. Docherty's work rate and versatility make him a valuable asset in both defensive and attacking transitions, while Berry's creativity and vision will be crucial in unlocking opposition defences.

The recent head-to-head record between Wigan Athletic and Charlton Athletic has been evenly contested. Both sides have won two of the last five encounters, with the remaining match ending in a draw. Last season, Charlton took four points off Wigan, indicating the competitive nature of their meetings.

The opening weekend clash between Wigan Athletic and Charlton Athletic is set to be an intriguing contest, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. Wigan, under Shaun Maloney, will be looking to build on their resilience from last season and push for a higher league finish. Meanwhile, Charlton, guided by Nathan Jones, aim to redeem themselves after a disappointing campaign and challenge for promotion.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Sky Sports +.

Wigan Team News:

The Latics should hand competitive debuts to a few new arrivals, mainly Calvin Ramsay, Dion Rankine and Joe Hugill.

Centre-back Will Aimson will likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

Predicted lineup: Tickle; Ramsay, Kerr, Hughes, Sessegnon; M. Smith, Adeeko; Rankine, Aasgard, J. Smith; Hugill.

Charlton Team News:

The Addicks are likely to involve a number of new signings here, with goalkeeper Will Mannion, defender Alex Mitchell, midfielder Greg Docherty and striker Gassan Ahadme all looking likely to start.

Predicted lineup: Mannion; Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey; Ramsey, Coventry, Docherty, Anderson; Edwards; Ahadme, Campbell.

Wigan ended last season in impressive fashion, going unbeaten in all of their last five games. Wigan drew 0-0 with Port Vale and 2-2 with this weekend's opponents, Charlton, before registering three successive wins. The Latics beat Lincoln City and Portsmouth 2-1, before ending the season with a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Wigan's preseason has been up and down results-wise, claiming two wins, two draws and two losses. Wigan beat Accrington Stanley (4-1) and Fylde (4-0) while drawing against Chorley (0-0) and Blackburn Rovers (1-1) before finishing with losses to Tranmere Rovers (2-1) and Barrow (1-0).

Charlton did not end last season particularly well, winning just one of their final five encounters. The Addicks beat Barnsley 1-0, before registering three straight draws against Wigan, Cambridge United (1-1) and Shrewsbury Town (1-1). On the final day of the campaign, Charlton were beaten -0 by Wycombe Wanderers.

Preseason has been largely positive for Charlton, who have claimed three wins against Dartford (6-1) Göztepe (3-1) and Portsmouth (2-0), while drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace and losing 2-0 to AFC Wimbledon.

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