Wigan Athletic’s style has been one in which they haven’t always dominated the ball, but when they have it they avoid going long where possible, playing the second-fewest long balls in League One. That, plus their status as the team in a higher division, means they are likely to dictate proceedings and we should arguably look towards them as far as goals go.

They aren’t the most flamboyant or exciting as far as goals go. They have played two cup matches this season, drawing 0-0 with Wrexham and beating Exeter City 2-0 in low-key affairs. It’s been a fairly similar pattern across the campaign, seeing 95% of their matches finish with 2 or more goals but just 16% have finished with 4 or more. As far as goal bets go, backing the over 2.5 line at 1.47 may be the option with the Latics seeing over half of their games finish that way.

That’s something the hosts can get on board with. They have seen 95% of their games also finish with 2 or more goals while also seeing 68% finish with 3 or more. Ardley entered the club with the mindset of improving their attacking play and relying on his team to work out the rest through hard work and communication, something that has come to pass.

One thing both teams are used to seeing is both teams scoring as far as their league form is concerned – Wigan have seen it happen in 63% of their matches and 70% of their away games while York City have seen it happen in 73% of their games.

Predictions:

⚽ Both teams to score @ 1.57

Wigan are the most likely team to score here given the hosts’ penchant for conceding goals (just 3 clean sheets in 22 league games) and there’s an obvious candidate to back in the form of Stephen Humphrys. The Oldham-born striker has had an up-and-down career but is being trusted to lead the line by Shaun Maloney and has repaid that with 7 goals to date this season.

One thing that has proven useful against York City under Neal Ardley is crosses, and it’s worth noting that York have had ongoing issues at left back with youngster Luke Daley drafted in recently amid injuries issues. If Wigan can exploit the left-hand side through the qualities of Jordan Jones, there’s a chance that 20-year-old Martial Godo will get a chance or two at the back post – he has 3 goals from just under 9 90s this season.

York are likely to go full-strength for this encounter, eyeing up a morale-boosting victory in front of their own supporters and the hope of a lucrative third round tie against one of the big guns.

The obvious player to look at as far as a goalscorer is concerned is Dipo Akinyemi, the club’s record signing and a player that fans have really taken to thanks to his exploits in the final third. Akinyemi joined York after scoring 18 goals for Welling United to help them avoid relegation in the National League South then 20 for Ayr United in the Scottish Championship, and against opponents that have seen a both teams to score bet land so often this year, the supremely confident forward will fancy his chances.

Predictions:

🥅 Stephen Humphries anytime @ 2.10

🥅 Martial Godo anytime @ 2.63

🥅 Dipo Akinyemi anytime @ 3.60