Preview: Blackpool Hosts Wigan Athletic in League One Clash

BLACKPOOL, England (Interstat) — Two Lancashire rivals seeking consistency will meet Saturday when Blackpool hosts Wigan Athletic in an English League One fixture at Bloomfield Road.

The match is a quick turnaround for both sides following heavy defeats last weekend. Blackpool (10-12-15) is coming off a 4-0 road loss to Lincoln City. Wigan Athletic (11-9-17) is looking to rebound from a 1-0 home defeat to Hfield Town.

Recent form has been a struggle for both clubs. Blackpool has won just once in its last five league matches. Wigan’s form is similarly uneven, with a dramatic 4-2 loss to Stockport County and a 6-1 thrashing by Peterborough United among its results in February, though it did manage a 1-0 win over Luton Town.

The head-to-head history favors the hosts. In the most recent meeting on Dec. 20, Blackpool secured a 2-0 victory at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

A statistical projection from Interstat forecasts a 1-1 draw for Saturday’s contest.

Wigan manager Shaun Maloney will hope the return of forward Charlie Wyke from suspension can bolster an attack that has been shut out in three of its last five games. Blackpool boss Neil Critchley is likely to recall experienced defender James Husband after the team’s defensive collapse at Lincoln.

The fixture is the first of a crucial March for both sides as they look to climb the table. Wigan faces a busy schedule, hosting Plymouth Argyle next Tuesday. Blackpool travels to AFC Wimbledon next Wednesday.

Saturday’s derby atmosphere is expected to be intense, with both sets of supporters making the short trip along the Fylde Coast. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. local time.