Blackpool vs Wigan Athletic Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips | 7 March 2026
Blackpool welcome Wigan Athletic to Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon for a crucial Lancashire derby in League One. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM GMT as both sides look to build momentum heading into the business end of the season.
The Seasiders will be eager to bounce back from a humbling defeat last time out, while the Latics arrive with renewed confidence after a positive result in midweek. This historic rivalry adds an extra layer of spice to what promises to be an intriguing encounter on the Fylde Coast.
Match Predictions Summary
| Market | Prediction | Confidence | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Blackpool Win | ⭐⭐⭐ | Strong H2H record at home vs Wigan |
| Both Teams To Score | No | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both teams have struggled for goals recently |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Four of last five H2H meetings went under 2.5 |
| Correct Score | 1-0 to Blackpool | ⭐⭐ | Tight derby affair expected at Bloomfield Road |
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Team News & Injuries
Blackpool Team News:
The Seasiders are managed by Ian Evatt, who has implemented a possession-based style at Bloomfield Road. The squad includes key attacking options such as Michael Obafemi, Ashley Fletcher, and Niall Ennis. In midfield, Leighton Clarkson and George Honeyman provide creativity and industry, while the defensive unit is anchored by Michael Ihiekwe and Fraser Horsfall. Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell offers experience between the sticks.
Blackpool will be looking to respond after suffering a 4-0 thrashing at Lincoln City in their last outing. That result highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that Evatt will be desperate to address ahead of this derby clash.
Wigan Athletic Team News:
The Latics are under the guidance of Gary Caldwell, assisted by Graham Barrow. Wigan’s attacking threat is led by players like Joe Taylor, Joseph Hungbo, and Christian Saydee. In midfield, Owen Moxon and Baba Adeeko provide the engine room, while the defence features experienced campaigners like Jason Kerr and Jack Hunt. Sam Tickle is the first-choice goalkeeper.
Wigan come into this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town, which ended a run of inconsistent results. The Latics will be looking to build on that performance and cause problems for their Lancashire rivals.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record between these two sides heavily favours Blackpool. In their last 10 meetings across all competitions, the Seasiders have emerged victorious on six occasions, with Wigan managing just two wins and two matches ending in draws. Blackpool have scored 17 goals to Wigan’s 7 in those encounters.
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2025 | Wigan | 0-2 | Blackpool | League One |
| 26 Apr 2025 | Wigan | 1-1 | Blackpool | League One |
| 28 Oct 2024 | Blackpool | 2-2 | Wigan | League One |
| 16 Mar 2024 | Wigan | 1-0 | Blackpool | League One |
| 02 Sep 2023 | Blackpool | 2-1 | Wigan | League One |
Blackpool are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Wigan, including a comfortable 2-0 victory at the DW Stadium in December. The Seasiders have also enjoyed success at Bloomfield Road in this fixture, making them strong favourites for Saturday’s encounter.
Recent Form Analysis
Blackpool Last 5 Matches:
- Lincoln City 4-0 Blackpool (L) – Away
- Bolton 2-2 Blackpool (D) – Away
- Blackpool 1-0 Mansfield (W) – Home
- Blackpool 0-4 Plymouth (L) – Home
- Huddersfield 2-2 Blackpool (D) – Away
Blackpool’s form has been inconsistent in recent weeks, with just one win from their last five matches. The heavy defeat at Lincoln City was particularly concerning, though they showed resilience to claim a point at Bolton in their previous away fixture. The Seasiders have struggled to keep clean sheets but have shown they can grind out results at home.
Wigan Athletic Last 5 Matches:
- Wigan 1-0 Huddersfield (W) – Home
- Stockport 4-2 Wigan (L) – Away
- Wigan 1-0 Luton (W) – Home
- Arsenal 4-0 Wigan (L) – Away (FA Cup)
- Wigan 1-2 Reading (L) – Home
Wigan have shown signs of improvement recently, securing back-to-back home victories against Luton and Huddersfield. However, their away form remains a concern, with heavy defeats at Stockport and Arsenal highlighting their vulnerability on the road. The Latics have struggled to find the net consistently, which could prove problematic at Bloomfield Road.
Betting Odds Comparison
Blackpool enter this Lancashire derby as favourites, with the bookmakers offering competitive prices across all markets. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best available odds from leading UK bookmakers:
Match Result Odds
| Bookmaker | Blackpool Win | Draw | Wigan Win | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 11/10 | 12/5 | 11/5 | Claim Offer |
| Betfred | 11/10 | 12/5 | 11/5 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 11/10 | 12/5 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 11/10 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 11/10 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| BetMGM | 5/4 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Betway | – | – | – | Claim Offer |
Both Teams To Score Odds
| Bookmaker | Yes | No | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 8/11 | 1/1 | Claim Offer |
| Betfred | 4/5 | 10/11 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 8/11 | 1/1 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 8/11 | 1/1 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 4/6 | 1/1 | Claim Offer |
| BetMGM | 4/6 | 0/0 | Claim Offer |
Over/Under 2.5 Goals Odds
| Bookmaker | Over 2.5 | Under 2.5 | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 20/21 | 5/6 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 10/11 | 4/5 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 10/11 | 4/5 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 5/6 | 4/5 | Claim Offer |
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Our Betting Tips & Predictions
Blackpool to Win – 11/10
The Seasiders have a formidable record against Wigan, particularly at Bloomfield Road. With six wins from the last ten meetings and an unbeaten run stretching back three games in this fixture, Blackpool are well-placed to claim all three points. Ian Evatt’s side will be eager to respond positively after their heavy defeat at Lincoln, and the home crowd should provide the impetus they need.
Under 2.5 Goals – 5/6
Derby matches are often tight, cagey affairs, and the recent history between these sides supports this trend. Four of the last five meetings have produced under 2.5 goals, with both teams struggling to find their scoring touch consistently this season. At 5/6 with bet365, this represents solid value for punters.
Both Teams To Score – No – 1/1
Wigan have struggled for goals on the road, and Blackpool’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed at Lincoln. However, the Seasiders have kept clean sheets in three of their last six home games against the Latics. With both managers likely to prioritise defensive solidity in a derby context, backing ‘No’ in the BTTS market at evens with bet365 or Boylesports looks a shrewd selection.
Correct Score: Blackpool 1-0 – 6/1
For those seeking higher odds, the 1-0 correct scoreline offers attractive value at around 6/1 with most bookmakers. Three of Blackpool’s last five home wins against Wigan have come by this margin, and a tight, nervy encounter could well see the hosts edge it by the odd goal.
Key Players to Watch
Blackpool – Michael Obafemi: The experienced striker brings Premier League pedigree to the Seasiders’ attack. His movement and clinical finishing could prove decisive in a tight contest.
Blackpool – Leighton Clarkson: The Liverpool academy graduate pulls the strings in midfield. His set-piece delivery and range of passing could unlock Wigan’s defence.
Wigan – Joe Taylor: The forward has been a bright spark for the Latics this season. His pace and direct running could trouble Blackpool’s backline.
Wigan – Owen Moxon: The midfielder provides energy and drive from the centre of the park. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks will be crucial.
Tactical Analysis
Under Ian Evatt, Blackpool typically employ a possession-based 3-1-4-2 formation, with wing-backs providing width and midfielders looking to control the tempo. The Seasiders will look to dominate the ball and create chances through patient build-up play, though they must be wary of Wigan’s counter-attacking threat.
Wigan, managed by Gary Caldwell, have shown tactical flexibility this season, often utilising a 3-4-2-1 or 5-4-1 system depending on the opposition. Away from home, the Latics are likely to sit deep and look to hit Blackpool on the break, making set-pieces and transitions crucial to their game plan.
The midfield battle between Leighton Clarkson and George Honeyman for Blackpool against Owen Moxon and Baba Adeeko for Wigan could determine the outcome. Whichever duo can gain control of the centre of the park will give their side the platform to secure victory.
Venue & Atmosphere
Bloomfield Road has been a fortress for Blackpool in this fixture historically, and the passionate home support will create an electric atmosphere for this Lancashire derby. With both sets of fans desperate for bragging rights, expect a fiery but compelling encounter on the Fylde Coast.
The stadium’s capacity of just over 17,000 should be close to full, with the noise levels sure to ramp up as kick-off approaches. These are the occasions that League One football is all about – local pride and crucial points on the line.
Final Prediction
Blackpool’s superior head-to-head record and home advantage make them the logical choice for this Lancashire derby. While both sides have struggled for consistency, the Seasiders’ recent dominance in this fixture and Wigan’s poor away form point towards a home victory.
We predict a tight, low-scoring affair with Blackpool edging it 1-0. The Under 2.5 goals market looks particularly appealing given the historical trends between these sides.
Best Bets
- Blackpool to Win: 11/10 with bet365
- Under 2.5 Goals: 5/6 with bet365
- Both Teams To Score – No: 1/1 with bet365
- Correct Score 1-0 Blackpool: 6/1 with bet365
All odds are correct at time of publication but subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.
