Wigan Athletic arrive at Mornflake Stadium in Crewe with the stronger recent form, but Crewe Alexandra will see this EFL Trophy tie as a chance to close the gap in Northern Group B. It is a useful midweek test for both sides after their FA Cup first-round action at the weekend.
Wigan sit top of the group, while Crewe are looking to turn a mixed run into something more stable. That contrast matters here, because the hosts have already shown they can produce results, even if heavy defeats have been part of their story too.
Crewe need a steadier showing at home
Crewe’s recent record shows both sides of their game. In October, they lost 5-1 at home to Chesterfield, a reminder that their level can dip badly when things go against them. But on November 7, they responded by beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the FA Cup, which underlined that they are still capable of competing in big moments.
That is the challenge for Crewe now: to bring the control and resilience from that cup win into a group match that matters for the standings. At home, they cannot afford another loose night if they want to stay in touch with the top of Northern Group B.
Wigan bring momentum into the tie
Wigan Athletic come into the game with a cleaner recent line. Last weekend they beat Boreham Wood 3-0 in the FA Cup, and that result should give them confidence heading into another away trip.
In a competition like the EFL Trophy, form and momentum often shape how these matches are approached. Wigan look the more settled side right now, and that is why they will expect to protect their place at the top of the group.
For Crewe, the equation is straightforward. They need to avoid the kind of setbacks that have hurt them before, and they need to make home advantage count. For Wigan, it is about backing up a solid run and keeping control of Northern Group B.
