Wigan Athletic's U21s face a Professional Development League test away at Charlton Athletic this afternoon. The match kicks off at 1pm BST at The Valley, with the young Latics looking to respond after a difficult result last time out.
Wigan's development side suffered a 5-2 defeat at Christopher Park last Tuesday. That result provides the immediate context for today's trip to south London. The fixture comes as the senior Wigan Athletic side sits 24th in League One, having taken zero points from their first three matches with a form of LLL. They have scored just two goals while conceding six, leaving them with a -4 goal difference and seven points adrift of leaders Blackpool.
What is the state of the U21s squad?
The young Latics will be aiming for a much-improved defensive performance after conceding five goals in their previous outing. Their opponents, Charlton's U21s, enter the match with confidence. Chris Lock's side recently registered their first win of the 2026/27 campaign, beating Stockport County's U21s 2-1 in the Premier League Cup last time out. That victory will give the home team momentum as they welcome Wigan to The Valley. For Wigan's players, this match is a chance to impress the coaching staff and build some positive form ahead of a busy period.
How can fans watch the match?
Supporters can attend the U21s fixture at The Valley. Admission is priced at £3 for adults and £2 for over-65s and under-18s. Valley Gold members and 2026/27 men's season-ticket holders for Charlton Athletic can gain entry for free. This offers a relatively affordable opportunity for fans of both clubs to watch the next generation of talent in action. The match provides a different focus from the senior team's struggles, which you can track on our standings page.
What is the context for Wigan Athletic?
The U21s match occurs against a challenging backdrop for the club. The first team's next fixture is a crucial home game against Milton Keynes Dons on September 2nd. MK Dons are currently 16th in the table, presenting a potential opportunity for Wigan to get their first points of the season. The development squad's performances can offer a positive narrative and potentially supply players ready to step up if needed. The club's overall goal difference of -4 highlights the need for improvement at all levels.
Balancing development with results is a constant challenge in the Professional Development League. Today's game at The Valley is a standard fixture in that competition. A positive result for Wigan's youngsters would provide a welcome boost. It could also help shift some momentum within the wider club environment. The senior team's schedule, including the upcoming MK Dons match, is available on our fixtures list. Wigan Athletic's first team plays Milton Keynes Dons at home on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026.
