Our prediction for this League 1 match:
After suffering a 3-1 win at Cambridge United on Monday, Wigan Athletic will be aiming to return to winning ways in the League One when they take on Port Vale on Matchday 43. The Latics have been producing fine performances at home of late, with the team winning three of their last four home games in the league. Jordan Jones should miss out with injury, while Jason Kerr returned to the starting XI against the Yellows.
The Valiants, on the other hand, aim to recover from a 2-0 loss to Northampton Town. Port Vale are determined to escape the relegation zone and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against Wigan. Anyhow, the share of spoils is on the cards as both sides should be happy with one point from the match. Speaking of the visiting team, both Jensen Weir and Conor Grant should be recalled to the starting XI.
Highlighted Player (Funso Ojo ):
Funso Ojo is a Belgium international who plays for Aberdeen as a midfielder. Ojo was born in Antwerp on August 28, 1991, starting his youth career at Olse Merksem. In 2004 he was spotted by PSV scouts, moving to Eindhoven very soon.
Funso Ojo made 11 appearances for PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie before moving to Beerschot AC, yet another club from his youth career. The Belgium international played for the likes of Royal Antwerp, Dordrecht, Willem II, and Scunthorpe United before signing a deal with Aberdeen in 2019. Funso Ojo made his Scotland Premiership debut in a 3-2 win over Hearts.
Speaking of his international career, Ojo has one cap with the Belgium U21 team, but he has yet to earn a call-up for the Belgium senior team. His primary position is central midfield, but he is capable of producing fine displays as a defensive midfielder. As his parents are of Nigeria descent, the Aberdeen footballer has a dual citizenship.
Highlighted Team (Wigan):
Wigan Athletic are one of the winners of the English FA Cup. The Latics won the prestigious trophy in 2013, with the team upsetting Manchester City in the title game. This is considered the club’s biggest success, but it has to be noted that Wigan played in the UEFA Europa League in the 2013/2014 season.
Wigan have been playing their home games at the DW Stadium since 1999 and they had played at Springfield Park in the past. Chorley are considered Wigan’s fierce rivals, but the two teams last met in 1971, when they competed in the Northern Premier League. The likes of Preston North End, Bury, Oldham Athletic, Burnley and Blackburn Rovers are regarded as Wigan Athletic’s rivals as well.
The club was founded in 1932 and they competed in the English Premier League from 2005 to 2013. The colour of Wigan’s home kit is blue and white (stripes).