Wigan had gone three games without a victory prior to last weekend's trip to Barnsley but two goals without reply in South Yorkshire went a long way to three points ahead of the festive fixtures. They had previously lost to Burton Albion and rivals Blackpool (both 0-1) as well as being dumped out of the JPT on penalties against Barnsley.
Wigan recorded their first victory since mid-November after goals from Andy Kellett and Yanic Wildschut earned them a 2-0 triumph at Barnsley. The win sees Wigan close to within three points of third-placed Coventry in League One while Barnsley remain in trouble near the foot of the table. Visiting keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had to be alert early on, claiming the ball when team-mate Jason Pearce's back-header threatened to go over him.
Wigan's first effort of the game came from Max Power, but he was unable to find the target from long range. Barnsley's Marley Watkins had a shot blocked and Sam Winnall headed over from Adam Hammill's cross after failing to get over the ball. Latics took the lead in the 18th minute when Kellett produced a neat finish after Michael Jacobs slipped the ball through to him inside the area.
Power went close soon after the re-start, with his curling effort going narrowly wide. Kellett also had a good chance when a ball from Jacobs put him through on goal, but Davies came to Barnsley's rescue, saving with his legs. Wigan finally wrapped up a much-welcome win with a second goal four minutes from time when substitute Wildschut capitalised on a defensive error before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.
The Latics are expected to continue without injured duo Chris McCann and Craig Morgan, the two centre-halves are side-lined through hamstring and groin injuries, also absent through injury is Kevin McNaughton knee). Meanwhile midfielder Sean Murray returned to parent side Watford prior to their trip Oakwell.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1 Sheffield United 1
