The Latics face Aston Villa at the DW Stadium today hoping to build on both the performance and the result of the last game at Bolton. Three points and a very good display put a buzz into the club, the same today and we could start believing that we are on a little roll.
McArthur and McCarthy in midfield looked very impressive and I`d be surprised if they both don`t continue their partnership this afternoon, that means Momo Diame could be left on the bench for the third game in a row since his return from the ACN.
Villa are in a bit of a rut at the moment but they do have some quality in their side and shouldn`t be taken lightly, of course Charles N`Zogbia will be returning to Wigan for the first time since his summer move and I`m sure that before the game he will be greeted warmly by the Latics supporters
Emmerson Boyce is set to break the clubs Premier League appearance record today, last time out at Bolton he equalled Paul Scharners 145 top flight appearances, today will make it 146 for Mr Wigan Athletic, congratulations Boycey
What The Bosses Say:
Latics boss Roberto Martinez:
‘This is the worst moment of their (Villa) season in terms of results
‘They should have more points than they have now so they are in an unrealistic position.
‘In many ways it is the wrong time to play them because they have a real need for points and they will look at the Wigan game as one they have to win.
‘That could put a lot of ground between them and the bottom five clubs but we are in a position where we cannot afford to look at the opposition.’
Villa boss Alex McLeish:
‘I’ve been up there many times playing Wigan in the past with my team before and Charles was one of the differences.
‘At the end of last season for Wigan, I thought he was the guy that made the difference.
‘If he can bring that form to us on a really consistent level, then Charles is going to make a name (for himself) at Aston Villa.’
Wigan Athletic Team News:
Latics boss Roberto Martinez has a fully fit squad to choose from with Callum McManaman having shaken off a back complaint during the recent warm weather training camp in Oman. A number of players have also fully recovered from a virus and are reported fit for duty.
Latics from – Al-Habsi, Boyce, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, McCarthy, McArthur, Di Santo, Moses, Gomez, Rodallega, Beausejour, Pollitt, Crusat, Watson, Diame, Stam, Jones, Sammon, Maloney, McManaman
Player to watch: James McArthur
Last time out McArthur was fantastic alongside McCarthy in the middle of the park and he scored the winning goal, more of the same please James
By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic
Aston Villa Team News:
Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne will miss the game through the shoulder injury he picked up against Manchester City. Ciaran Clark is also out. Barry Bannan is rated at 50-50 after picking up an ankle injury playing for the reserves.
Villa from – Given, Cuellar, Warnock, Hutton, Collins, Petrov, Gardner, Heskey, N’Zogbia, Albrighton, Bent, Keane, Agbonlahor, Guzan, Ireland, Bannan, Weimann, Baker
Player to watch: Charles N’Zogbia
No guarantee that Charlie will play today but I’d be very surprised if he didn’t
By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic
Any Previous?
Latics and Villa have met 13 times in the Premier League
Latics have 4 wins, Villa 3, draws 5
Last Six Meetings
01/10/11 – Premier League – Aston Villa 2 Latics 0
07/05/11 – Premier League – Aston Villa 1 Latics 1
25/01/11 – Premier League – Latics 1 Aston Villa 2
16/03/10 – Premier League – Latics 1 Aston Villa 2
15/08/09 – Premier League – Aston Villa 0 Latics 2
31/01/09 – Premier League – Aston Villa 0 Latics 0
Ref Watch:
Kevin Friend (Leicester)
Why not take a look at our ‘Meet The Ref’ article
Kevin Friend Card Watch 2011/12
Games – 21, yellows – 72, reds – 3
Match Prediction:
Head says 1-1 draw
Heart says 2-1 Latics win, as always going with the heart
Up Next:
Premier League
Latics v Swansea
DW Stadium
Saturday – 3pm
3/03/12
Norwich v Latics
Carrow Road
Saturday – 3pm
11/03/12
Latics and Proud
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