Mansfield Town vs Wigan Predictions

• Five of Mansfield’s last eight home games have featured fewer than three goals
• Six of Wigan’s last eight away matches (including both FA Cup ties) have featured fewer than three goals (after 90 minutes)
• Seven of Wigan’s last eight FA Cup matches have not seen a third goal (in 90 min)

Stags and Latics clash could be a stale affair

Mansfield and Wigan will view Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash as a chance to progress into the latter stages with goals potentially on the scarce side because of the opportunity it presents.

Mansfield beat Wigan 2-1 away in League One earlier this season and they are in better form than the visitors, having won four of their last five games. But they do not have much of a cup pedigree, having fallen at the first or second-round stage in eight of the last 11 seasons.

The Latics lifted the cup 12 years ago and have subsequently reached the fourth round four more times. They needed extra time to beat Carlisle in round one and Cambridge in round two, but will be up for this clash at One Call Stadium.

Draw on the cards at One Call Stadium

Unlike the earlier league battle at DW Stadium, this one promises to be a tighter contest because of the potential for a money-spinning fourth-round tie which is at stake.

Opposing goals looks the safest way to go with five of Mansfield’s last eight home games have featured fewer than three and six of Wigan’s last eight away matches also not seeing a third successful strike.

A 1-1 draw, which was the scoreline after 90 minutes when Wigan faced Cambridge in round two, looks the likeliest outcome.