Wigan only have ONE defender fit in Boyce (remember they play 3 at the back), the last time we played them they were in some decent form... This time round they're in a poor run of form (especially away from home). There defence looked rather shakey against QPR aswell, this is the best possible time to be playing wigan at home unlike last season
We've had all of our first choice centre backs out for weeks - Ramis, Caldwell and Alcaraz. I think Figueroa is back this week after his suspension against QPR. Caldwell seems to be injured again after being suspended last week. So a likely back three of Lopez (who was reasonably solid against QPR until his misplaced pass led to their second), Figueroa (has been one of our best defenders, but naturally a left back) and Boyce (getting on, a bit leggy, so actually better as a centre back than a wing back). But both Ramis and Alcaraz are being assessed. Doubt that Bobby will risk them. It's going forward that we've got pretty much a full complement though. Maloney is back from injury and links well with Kone and di Santo. McCarthy and McArthur have formed a helluva midfield partnership. Stam and Beausejour have days as wing backs when they're unplayable. So I expect us to score. But it's no coincidence that we're giving away two or three goals a game. So I'm going for a three-two outcome - it's 22/1 for youse to win by that score, and 30/1 for us so I'll be having a wee flutter both ways! (I'm not counting this as "betting on the opposition", I'm counting it as a hedge!) It's been good to see you going on a cracking little run. I'm usually the most pessimistic of supporters - I had a bad feeling about QPR last weekend - so ordinarily I would be feeling a bit gloomy going up against an in form side. But this just has that Wigan "feel" to it. I expect us to give you a good game.
Wigan always play attractive football, and haven't really got the results they deserve. I think this will be a tough match and it will depend a lot on whether Hoolahan, Tettey and Whittaker are able to play.
Cheers Dave I think you've done enough already to cement another season in the Prem. Are you the new Stoke?? Steady mid table dullness? You really need the excitement that we love down in the basement. Given you a head start now so enjoy it whilst it lasts
And another - Tweet from CH - Pleased to say Harry Kane returned to train with us today after 4 days of training with Spurs. We will assess him over the next week. Looks like he could be in contention for the hectic run of games between Xmas and New Year!!!
Sorry JRF, I just started a new thread on this. Mainly because Wigan looks like being way too soon for the lad, but we'll see
Honestly, steady mid-table football, with the finances under control, and the occasional cup run will do me nicely. Unlike Stoke, I actually enjoy watching us play, so I'd enjoy seeing us give the big clubs a hard time at Carrow Road, and being capable of the occasional upset.
