Listen to Wigan Athletic v Luton Town on BBC Three Counties Radio with Sam Avery and Jonathan Smith

As Wigan Athletic host Luton Town in a crucial English League One clash at the Brick Community Stadium on Wednesday 18 February 2026, kicking off at 19:45 UK time, fans can tune into BBC Three Counties Radio for expert coverage. With main commentator Sam Avery at the helm and former footballer Jonathan Smith providing co-commentary, this broadcast promises insightful analysis of a match pitting the struggling Latics against the playoff-chasing Hatters. While major TV channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports are not televising this fixture live, and no world feed is available, radio remains the go-to medium for real-time action, perfect for British supporters craving every goal, tackle and moment of drama.

BBC Three Counties Radio, a staple for football enthusiasts in the region covering Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire, delivers top-tier commentary that captures the passion of League One battles. Sam Avery, the main commentator, brings years of experience to the mic, having established himself as a reliable voice for local and regional football coverage. His career spans numerous seasons calling matches for BBC Radio, where his enthusiastic yet measured style has won over listeners, making complex tactical breakdowns accessible to all. Avery's deep knowledge of the lower leagues ensures he highlights key narratives, such as Wigan's desperate fight against relegation and Luton's push for promotion under Jack Wilshere.

Joining him is Jonathan Smith, a respected ex-footballer whose playing days add authenticity to his punditry. Smith enjoyed a solid career in the Football League, turning out for clubs including Stevenage and Yeovil Town, where he amassed over 300 appearances as a midfielder known for his tenacity and vision. Post-retirement, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching and media, offering co-commentary that blends insider perspectives on player fitness and strategy. His insights will be invaluable tonight, especially given Luton's recent dominance over Wigan, having won the last three encounters, including a narrow 1-0 victory in August.

The scene is set at the DW Stadium – also referred to as the Brick Community Stadium in some previews – where Wigan Athletic, currently languishing in 22nd place, desperately seek to halt a dismal run. Fresh under new management following a string of defeats, the Latics were humiliated 4-0 by Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend, capping a poor form guide of D L L W W L across all competitions. Recent league results paint a grim picture: losses to Reading (2-1), Peterborough (6-1), Lincoln (1-0) and Wycombe (2-0), underscoring defensive frailties with just 31 goals scored but 41 conceded in the league. Supporters will hope home advantage ignites a turnaround, but statistics suggest otherwise, with no wins in their last seven attempts and only six clean sheets all season.

In stark contrast, Luton Town sit pretty in 9th, eyeing the playoff spots with Jack Wilshere's pragmatic approach. The Hatters, managed by the former Arsenal midfielder, endured a 3-1 setback against league leaders Cardiff City on Valentine's Day, snapping a two-game win streak over Bradford (2-1) and Blackpool (1-0). Despite a middling away record – 14 points from 15 road games, ranking 14th in the division – Luton boast firepower, led by top scorer Taylor Clark with six goals and J. Clark netting eight. They've been awarded the most penalties this season (8) and have scored four goals in their last five outings, positioning them as favourites in predictions like Sportsmole's 1-2 away win.

This fixture carries extra weight as the first league meeting since Luton's August triumph, with the Hatters holding a perfect recent head-to-head record. Referee Jamie O'Connor will oversee proceedings, and with odds favouring Luton at around +167 to win (implying a close contest), under 2.5 goals at -171 reflects expectations of a cagey affair. For Wigan, star man Fraser Murray leads in big chances created (13), but their attack has dried up, managing just two goals in the last five matches. Luton, meanwhile, chase a run to close the gap to the top six, as admitted by Wilshere in recent comments highlighting 'clearly there's an issue' after the Cardiff loss.

Beyond the pitch, Wigan Athletic's season has been turbulent. Once a Premier League outfit under owners like Dave Whelan, the Latics have yo-yoed through the divisions, battling financial woes that led to administration in recent years. Their current plight mirrors a club in transition, with new management aiming to steady the ship. More on their storied history can be found here. Luton Town, phoenix-like after their own points deduction and rise from non-league, reached the Premier League hatstand in 2023 before relegation. Wilshere's appointment marks a bold step, leveraging his Arsenal youth pedigree to instill discipline.

For listeners, BBC Three Counties Radio offers not just commentary but pre- and post-match discussion, ideal for dissecting Sam Avery's calls and Jonathan Smith's tactical nuggets. Avery's career highlight includes covering high-stakes derbies, while Smith's ex-player status shines in moments like analysing midfield battles between Wigan's Murray and Luton's Clark. As League One heats up towards the business end, this match could define trajectories: survival for Wigan, momentum for Luton.

Key players to watch include Wigan's C. Wright (4 goals) and Luton's penalty specialists. With Luton holding 41 goals for and 37 against versus Wigan's inferior stats, expect Smith to emphasise away resilience. Predictions lean Luton, but football's unpredictability – especially in League One – means anything can happen. Tune in early for build-up, as Avery and Smith preview lineups and team news.

League One itself remains fiercely competitive, with promotion hopefuls like Cardiff dominating and relegation scraps intensifying. For full context on the competition, explore its rich tapestry of ambitious clubs. Wigan fans, haunted by that Arsenal thrashing, seek solace; Luton supporters dream of playoffs. Radio's intimacy amplifies the tension, with BBC's coverage unmatched for local flavour.

In summary, don't miss Sam Avery and Jonathan Smith on BBC Three Counties Radio for Wigan Athletic v Luton Town. Their expertise elevates this midweek showdown, blending career-honed insights with live passion. Whether you're in the stands, pub or armchair, radio delivers the heartbeat of English football's third tier. (Word count: 1247)

Article generated: 18 February 2026, 19:42 GMT