Preston vs Wigan Prediction & Betting Tips (9 January)

Preston’s build‑up to this FA Cup meeting has been shaped by a steady run of low‑scoring matches and a recent focus on tightening their defensive structure. Over the past two months, their form has included results such as a 3–0 win, a 2–1 victory, a 0–0 draw, and a 1–1 draw, showing a mix of resilience and occasional attacking sharpness. News around the club has highlighted their emphasis on squad rotation ahead of the cup fixtures, with several younger players pushing for minutes as the schedule becomes more demanding. The anticipation around their home advantage at Deepdale has also been a recurring theme, as supporters expect a disciplined performance.

Wigan, meanwhile, enter this tie with a similarly cautious trend in their recent outings. Their last run of matches includes a 1–1 draw, a 0–2 defeat, a 2–1 win, and another 1–1 draw, reflecting a team that often keeps games tight but struggles to consistently impose itself. Over the past two months, club updates have focused on their efforts to stabilize results and manage injuries, particularly in midfield. There has also been attention on their defensive unit, which has shown improvement in limiting opponents to narrow scorelines, a factor that could influence how they approach this FA Cup clash.

Historically, meetings between Preston and Wigan have produced a variety of outcomes, but recent head‑to‑head records show Preston holding a slight edge, including a 2–1 win in February 2023 and a 3–0 victory in 2019. Wigan’s last positive result in this fixture came in 2019, which adds an extra layer of motivation for them as they look to break a difficult pattern. Both sides have been involved in under‑2.5‑goal matches frequently in recent weeks, suggesting that this encounter may follow a similarly cautious rhythm. With both managers aware of the stakes, tactical discipline is likely to dominate the early phases.

Taking all recent performances, news, and trends into account, this match has the makings of a tight, controlled contest with few clear chances. Preston’s slightly stronger form and home advantage give them a marginal edge, especially considering their ability to grind out narrow results. Wigan’s resilience should keep them competitive, but their inconsistency in the final third may prove costly. With that in mind, the most realistic outcome appears to be a narrow home win, and the predicted correct score is 1:0.

• Summary: Preston North End is going head to head with Wigan Athletic starting on 9 Jan 2026 at 19:30 UTC . The match is a part of the FA Cup .
• Preston Feedinco Rating: 6.86
• Wigan Feedinco Rating: 6.81