Bottom side Wigan face Richardson’s in-form Reading
Reading are Wigan Athletic’s visitors at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in round 11 of League One. Gary Caldwell’s side are bottom with four points and the fewest goals in the division after a 1-0 defeat at Stevenage. Reading are sixth on 15 points after a 5-1 win at MK Dons, and their manager Leam Richardson returns to his former club. Kick-off is at 16:00, with Edward Duckworth the referee.
“We know we need to be in a better place, in terms of the league table, and only we can change that.” – Wigan manager Gary Caldwell
Predicted lineups: Wigan vs Reading
Wigan have Christian Saydee back on the bench after a calf injury that kept him out since pre-season, and Caldwell said a couple of players will be assessed before the game. Reading look set to be without top scorer Jack Marriott and George Earthy, according to Sports Mole; Marriott was not in the squad at MK Dons. Jamie Reid is expected to lead the line.
Wigan Athletic Team News & Preview
Wigan lost 1-0 at Stevenage last weekend, when Stevenage had 16 shots and Wigan’s best chance was a Connor Barrett effort that went wide. Caldwell said his side were too safe in the final third. At home they have lost three of four league games: 2-0, 4-0 to Stockport and 1-0 to Wycombe, with a 3-1 win over MK Dons the only bright spot.
Caldwell insists there is a long way to go, but Wigan have only five league goals and have failed to score in three of their four home games.
What works for or against Wigan
- Bottom of League One with five goals in eight games.
- Failed to score in three of four home league games.
- Saydee is back in the squad.
- Lost 4-0 at home to Stockport.
Reading Team News & Preview
Reading are unbeaten in four league games. They beat Notts County 2-0, drew 2-2 at Wycombe and 1-1 with Bradford, and then won 5-1 at MK Dons, where Lisbie scored twice. They have 22 league goals in nine games, the most in the division.
Marriott’s likely absence is the main question. Richardson knows Wigan well from his time in charge, and Reading have won the last four meetings between the clubs.
What works for or against Reading
- Unbeaten in four league games.
- 22 league goals in nine games.
- Won the last four meetings with Wigan.
- Top scorer Marriott is likely to miss out.
Wigan vs Reading Odds
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Wigan vs. Reading Form Guide
Wigan Form, Stats & Data
Wigan score 0.63 goals per game, the lowest in League One, and concede 1.63. At home they have scored three goals in four games, and all three came in one match, a 3-1 win over MK Dons.
Reading Form, Stats & Data
Reading score 2.44 goals per game, one of the best attacks in the division, and concede 1.22. Marriott has eight goals, but Lisbie scored twice at MK Dons and the goals are coming from several places.
Wigan vs Reading: Prediction & Betting Tip
This is the division’s weakest attack against one of its strongest. Wigan have failed to score in three of their four home league games and have lost three of them, while Reading are unbeaten in four and scored five at MK Dons. I like Reading to win.
What worries me is Marriott’s likely absence and Reading’s away record, which shows only one win in four games. If Reading lack a cutting edge without their top scorer, a bottom side under this much pressure could dig in and hold out for a draw. But Wigan’s lack of goals makes it hard for me to see them winning this.
I am backing Reading to win at 1.89 with Winz, and I have it finishing 0-2.