Predictions EFL Trophy - Carlisle United vs Wigan Athletic

EFL Trophy - Carlisle United vs Wigan Athletic
Match Time: 09-10-2024 01:00 Wednesday (GMT+7)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since making the tough call to part ways with club legend Paul Simpson, having lost three of their first four league matches following relegation last season, Carlisle have not experienced an upturn in fortunes under new management.

Mike Williamson's side secured a point from Saturday's goalless draw at Colchester United, but they remain third-bottom of League Two with 10 games played.

The Cumbrian club have just seven points on the board so far, and they were indebted to some superb saves from goalkeeper Harry Lewis - plus a lot of last-ditch defending - to come out of the weekend with anything at all.

Having begun their EFL Trophy campaign by losing at home to Nottingham Forest Under-21s in September, the Blues must try to avoid another setback this week - otherwise hopes of a top-two finish could already be ended.

Both Carlisle and their next opponents are three points behind Forest's youngsters and Morecambe, so plenty rests on their midweek contest.

Now rooted to the bottom of the EFL pyramid, Morecambe were shock 2-1 winners at Wigan on the opening matchday, leaving the League One side in need of victory at Brunton Park.

By contrast with their hosts, Wigan come into this clash in fine form, having thumped Bristol Rovers 4-0 before playing out three consecutive goalless draws, then producing a 3-0 win against Peterborough United.

The Latics extended their unbeaten streak to six games when they visited Edgeley Park for Saturday's meeting with Stockport County, with another 0-0 scoreline also continuing a remarkable run of clean sheets.

In fact, Shaun Maloney's side have not conceded a single goal since losing to Morecambe over a month ago, and that has helped them secure a mid-table position in England's third tier.

Unsurprisingly, they boast the best defensive record throughout League One, so Maloney will expect his team to shut out Carlisle and pick up maximum points.

Prediction:  Carlisle United 0-2 Wigan Athletic