Overview and context
Wigan Athletic return to the DW Stadium on 31/01/2026 looking to arrest a worrying drift in form, while second-placed Lincoln City arrive buzzing with confidence. This is a classic contrast: Wigan sit 19th after 27 games with just seven wins and a habit of conceding at home, whereas Lincoln have accumulated 55 points from 28 matches and carry the kind of momentum that pushes promotion chases forward. The match is scheduled for 15:00 local time under referee Carl Brook, and the modest theatre of the DW Stadium — capacity 25,138 — will be a stern test for a Wigan side that has scored only 29 times all season.
Form, recent results and head-to-head
Recent results underline the gulf. Wigan arrive off a 2-0 defeat at Wycombe and have registered two wins, three draws and five losses in their last ten outings. The home team has struggled to find consistency; their last five fixtures included a 3-3 draw at Doncaster and narrow defeats that hint at defensive vulnerabilities and an inability to convert pressure into points. Lincoln, by contrast, are unbeaten in their last ten matches with seven wins and three draws. Their latest 3-0 victory over Bradford showcased an attacking punch on which they’ve relied all season — 47 goals scored overall — and midfielder Robert Street earned plaudits with an 8.22 rating in that win. The sides shared a 2-2 draw when they met earlier in the campaign, a reminder that Lincoln can be tested, but that result feels like the exception rather than the rule given their current run.
Wigan’s statistical profile at home is telling: only 12 goals scored at home and 9 conceded, but an overall scoring issue when fixtures pile up. Lincoln’s away numbers show 16 goals scored on the road and solid defensive returns with 15 conceded, illustrating balance and resilience away from home. Shot metrics favor Lincoln slightly — more total and on-target attempts — and they create more dangerous attacks per game, a key edge in tight League One battles.
What this means for the market
Bookmakers reflect the form lines: Lincoln are priced as favourites at roughly 2.28, with Wigan available at about 3.20 and the draw near 3.15. Those odds mirror the data — momentum, goal output and superior points per game for the visitors. Given Lincoln’s unbeaten recent run and Wigan’s inconsistent home form, the match shapes up as a contest where the away side can control tempo and convert chances on counter and structured attacks.
For readers looking to sharpen their approach to markets and stakes, resources like Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets are useful reminders about selecting value, while timing a goals bet can be honed by guides such as The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion
Based on form, recent results and market pricing, the clearest value in the 1X2 market is backing Lincoln City to win. The away side’s consistency, attacking threat and defensive balance make a straight away win at around 2.28 the recommended play. Keep stakes sensible and factor in in-play adjustments if Wigan press early — Lincoln’s discipline away from home suggests they can absorb early pressure and strike when openings appear.
