Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool brings EFL Trophy football back to The Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday 22 September, with kick-off at 7pm. Gary Caldwell’s side have an opportunity to build on their opening group-stage victory and give supporters something to cheer after a difficult week.
Latics began their Trophy campaign with a 3–2 win over Aston Villa U21s. Another positive result would strengthen their position in Northern Group B, although Tuesday also offers a chance to improve the attacking performance following Saturday’s defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.
Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool: match details
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Kick-off: 7pm BST
Venue: The Brick Community Stadium
Competition: EFL Trophy, Northern Group B
Latics looking for a response
Wigan were beaten 1–0 by Wycombe at the weekend, with Dan Casey’s second-half header deciding a game short on clear chances. The result was frustrating, but it came against the backdrop of the sudden passing of goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller.
In his post-match interview with the club, Caldwell praised the players’ effort while acknowledging that his side had not created enough in the final third. He also spoke about the emotional impact of losing a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts remain with Kevin’s family, friends and everyone affected.
On the pitch, Tuesday’s challenge is to turn endeavour into better opportunities. From a supporter’s perspective, the result matters, but so does seeing Latics give the opposition more to worry about: quicker combinations, runners supporting the attack and a more convincing threat inside the penalty area.
The opposition: Blackpool
Blackpool arrive after a 4–2 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. Both teams therefore have a reason to welcome a change of competition and an opportunity to put their latest league result behind them.
The visitors begin their group campaign against a Wigan side already holding three points. That gives the game an interesting balance: Latics can build on an early advantage, while Blackpool will want their own Trophy run to start positively.
For Wigan, the lesson is to approach this as a competitive test in its own right. A cup fixture can offer opportunities, but Blackpool will be looking for a response of their own.
Team selection and what to watch
There is no confirmed starting XI at the time of writing. With this fixture following Saturday’s league match, Caldwell has a decision to make over how much to change his side. Any rotation remains a possibility rather than a confirmed selection plan.
Whoever starts, the key question is whether Wigan can create enough sustained pressure to take control. Getting support close to the forward line and making better use of possession around the box would be encouraging signs after the Wycombe game.
The summer brought considerable change to the squad. You can revisit our Wigan Athletic summer transfer window overview for the wider picture of how the group was assembled.
Tickets for Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool
The club’s published prices are £14 for adults, reduced to £10 for 2026/27 season ticket holders. Tickets for supporters aged 65+, and those in the 13–24 age categories, are £10 or £6 with the season-ticket discount. Children aged 12 and under are £2.
One discounted ticket is available per season ticket holder. Supporters should sign into the correct ticketing account to access the reduced price. See the official Blackpool ticket information for full details and purchase options.
The Latics.News view
A win would not erase the problems in the league, but it would give Latics something useful to build on. The opening Trophy victory has put Wigan in a promising position; now the aim is to follow it with a performance that provides both points and encouragement.
Remember the earlier start: Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool kicks off at 7pm on Tuesday.
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