By Harry Jones
December 31 2025

Barnsley will be looking to start 2026 on a positive note when they visit Wigan on New Year's Day at 3pm.

 

Barnsley have lost their last three games in the league and this has resultingly seen the Reds slide into the bottom half of a congested League One table.

 

The pressure is on Conor Hourihane's side to pick up points when they visit The Brick Community Stadium.

 

The transfer window opens very soon and The Reds need some experienced players to help guide what is a young squad, something which Conor Hourihane has alluded to recently after a tough run for Barnsley in which defensive issues have been clear.

 

As for Wigan, they sit 12th and are coming off the back of a 2-0 victory away at Burton.

 

Wigan are very much a mid-table side currently with 7 wins, 8 draws and 7 losses and The Latics could launch a play-off push if they can put a decent run of form together in early 2026.

 

They are managed by Ryan Lowe who was appointed in March 2025 and replaced Shaun Maloney.

 

Last season, Wigan won at Oakwell 1-0 in November and the two sides drew 1-1 at The Brick Community Stadium in March.

 

Barnsley also travel to Vale Park on the 4th January to face Port Vale before then travelling to Anfield in the FA Cup third round to face Liverpool.