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Wigan vs Manchester United predictions for this FA Cup Third Round affair. The DW Stadium is set to host an intriguing FA Cup third-round matchup on Monday evening, as League One side Wigan Athletic takes on English giants Manchester United. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
FA Cup | Third Round – Jan 8, 2024 at 8.15pm UK at The DW Stadium
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Wigan vs Manchester United Predictions
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The Battle of Strategies: A Deep Dive into Wigan vs Manchester United’s FA Cup Clash
Key Stats
– Manchester United’s struggle to score in away games, with only one goal in their last four away matches.
– The contrasting managerial styles: Maloney’s resilience-focused approach vs Ten Hag’s tactical discipline.
The FA Cup has always been a tournament of surprises, a battleground where the underdog’s dreams meet the giants’ ambitions. This narrative comes to life once more as League One’s Wigan Athletic welcome the English football powerhouse, Manchester United, to the DW Stadium for an intriguing third-round encounter.
Wigan Athletic: A Tale of Resilience and Recent Struggles
Wigan, the 2012-13 FA Cup champions, enter this game from a position of struggle. Placed 17th in League One, the Latics have had to deal with financial issues, starting the season with a points deficit. Despite this, they’ve shown resilience, now standing four points clear of the relegation zone. Their journey to the third round, with victories over Exeter City and York City, has been commendable, demonstrating their capability to rise to the occasion.
Manchester United: Chasing Lost Glory
Manchester United, in stark contrast, are a team laden with history but burdened by recent underperformance. Despite being 20-time English champions and 12-time FA Cup winners, their current form is a shadow of their illustrious past. Erik ten Hag’s side, having finished at the bottom of their Champions League group and placed eighth in the Premier League, now sees the FA Cup as their only realistic chance for silverware this season. Their recent 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest epitomises the struggles they’ve faced.
Tactical Analysis: Where the Game Will Be Won or Lost
Wigan’s average BettingTips4You rating of 6.85 in League One reflects a team that has had its ups and downs. They’ve scored an average of 1.4 goals per game, with a significant portion of their goals coming from inside the box. Their ability to create big chances (1.4 per game) will be critical against a Manchester United side that has conceded 1.4 goals per game on average.
Manchester United, with a slightly higher average BettingTips4You rating of 6.96 in the Premier League, have shown vulnerability in breaking down deep defences, as evidenced by their struggle to score in away games. This might play into Wigan’s hands, who are expected to adopt a more defensive posture.
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The key battleground will likely be in the midfield, where Wigan’s resilience will clash with Manchester United’s creativity. The role of players like Scott McTominay for United and Josh Magennis for Wigan could be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Strategies and Managerial Duel
Shaun Maloney of Wigan and Erik ten Hag of Manchester United present a contrast in managerial styles. Maloney’s approach with Wigan has been about maximising resources and fostering a fighting spirit, evident in their journey so far. On the other hand, Ten Hag’s tenure at United has been about instilling discipline and a new tactical approach, albeit with mixed success. This match presents a stark contrast in strategies: Wigan’s resilience versus United’s quest for dominance.
Expected Lineups and Impact
Wigan Athletic’s Expected Lineup: Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon; Shaw, Adeeko; McManaman, Lang, Godo; Magennis. This lineup suggests a focus on solidity at the back with potential for quick counters, especially through the likes of Magennis and McManaman.
Manchester United’s Expected Lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund. This lineup reflects Ten Hag’s intent to field a strong team, with a mix of creativity and pace in the attack, aimed at breaking down Wigan’s defensive setup.
Predictions and Analysis
- Both Teams to Score and Win – Manchester United Manchester United, despite their fluctuating form, have displayed a tenacity in front of goal that should see them breach Wigan’s defence. With players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, United possess the ability to dismantle even the most resilient defences. Wigan, on the other hand, have shown a knack for finding the back of the net, particularly in crucial games. Their average of 1.4 goals per game in the league, and the fact that they have netted against higher-division teams in the FA Cup, suggest they could score against a United side that has been prone to defensive lapses. However, the quality and depth in United’s squad, especially in the attacking third, should ultimately see them secure a victory, making the ‘both teams to score and win’ market for Manchester United a compelling prediction.
- Correct Score Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United A 1-2 result in favour of Manchester United is a reflection of both teams’ current form and style of play. Wigan’s recent form, especially at home, indicates a resilience that could lead to them scoring. Their strategy of solid defence and exploiting opportunities on the counter could see them take advantage of United’s occasional defensive frailty. On the other side, Manchester United’s need for a win in this crucial cup tie, combined with their superior technical quality and attacking prowess, makes it likely they will score a couple of goals. This scoreline also acknowledges United’s struggles to keep clean sheets, particularly in high-pressure away games.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford to Score Marcus Rashford, with his speed, agility, and improved finishing under Ten Hag’s system, stands out as a likely goalscorer. Wigan’s defensive approach might leave spaces on the flanks or behind their defensive line, which Rashford is well-equipped to exploit. His ability to drift wide and cut inside, coupled with his recent form, makes him a constant threat. Even though United have had trouble scoring multiple goals in recent matches, Rashford’s individual brilliance and instinct in front of goal could see him finding the net in this match.
- Team to Score First: Manchester United The first goal in a match of this nature is often crucial, and Manchester United are the more likely to score it. Given the disparity in league positions and squad strength, United will aim to assert early control. Their game plan will likely involve high pressing and quick, incisive attacks, seeking to unsettle Wigan early on. Wigan’s strategy might involve absorbing pressure and trying to hit on the break, which could leave them vulnerable to conceding the first goal. United’s approach, combined with their need to make a statement in this competition, makes them the favourites to open the scoring.
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