Wigan Athletic
Wigan under Roberto Martinez last season were consistently inconsistent. Wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool were followed up by a 4-0 defeat to Portsmouth, 2 5-0 defeats at the hands of Manchester United and 2 8 goal beatings in London.
Over the summer, Martinez had lost experienced campaigners Titus Bramble, Mario Melchiot and Paul Scharner (who is still a free agent. Someone's going to get themselves a real bargain if they snap him up), bringing in Paraguayan centre-back Antolin Alcaraz, Argentinian centre-forward Mauro Boselli, Bolton reserve keeper Ali Al-Habsi and Hamilton midfielder James McArthur. While all these signings have their merits (Alcaraz had a particularly impressive World Cup, Boselli has a good track record in Argentina and McArthur has excelled for Hamilton for a number of seasons despite his tender years), they have a total of 0 Premier League games under their belts. Assuming they can keep hold of Maynor Figueroa, Charles N'Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega, they do have the makings of a good footballing side, however they look more likely to be involved in a relegation scrap, which they may be unable to battle their way out of, particularly given that only Blackpool appear to be significantly worse than them.
Sticking-me-neck-on-the-line-predicted-finishing-position: 18th
How they'll cope with the home-grown rule: Oh dear. 3 more homegrown players are needed. Wigan scout South America very impressively, less so South Lancashire
Showing posts with label Wigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wigan. Show all posts
Friday, 6 August 2010
Friday, 11 December 2009
Stoke v Wigan Odds
As promised, here are the odds from the Stoke v Wigan game:
Stoke to win outright: best price 6/5 with Coral
Under 2.5 goals: best price 4/6 general
Stoke to win outright: best price 6/5 with Coral
Under 2.5 goals: best price 4/6 general
Stoke City v Wigan Athletic, Saturday 12th December
My Thoughts
When the TV head honchos got hold of the fixture list at the start of this season, and were told to pick what games they wanted to show, it's difficult to imagine this game jumping off the list. Yet this game will be the lunchtime game tomorrow, which may (or may not) tempt this pundit to head for the pub. The recent fallout between the (allegedly) nude Stoke boss Tony Pulis and his star centre-forward James Beattie offers an interesting subplot to a match which should feature something of a clash of styles: Stoke's direct, physical approach has been well-documented, while under Roberto Martinez, Wigan play (or at least attempt to) a fluid 4-2-31 system, with lots of short, neat passing serving their angry, powerful and sometimes brilliant frontman Hugo Rodallega.
The Verdict
'Tis true that neither side goes into this one in the best of form: Stoke have just one win in their last 5 (and even that was at home to bottom side Portsmouth, who also had a penalty saved). WIgan also have just 1 win in 5, and their recent run also happens to include a 9-1 horsing away at Spurs. Add to that their poor away record in the league this season (2-0-5) and the likely abscences of midfield enforcer Hendry Thomas and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, this pundit reckons that Stoke will edge this one.
The Bet
Stoke have scored just 13 goals in the league this season, the lowest total in the league, and despite Wigan's porous defence, it's difficult to see this one being full of goals, particularly given Stoke's decent defensive record (conceded 17 in the league this season). Therefore, this pundit will be backing Stoke outright, as well as having a look at under 2.5 goals (prices to follow this evening, I'm at work).
When the TV head honchos got hold of the fixture list at the start of this season, and were told to pick what games they wanted to show, it's difficult to imagine this game jumping off the list. Yet this game will be the lunchtime game tomorrow, which may (or may not) tempt this pundit to head for the pub. The recent fallout between the (allegedly) nude Stoke boss Tony Pulis and his star centre-forward James Beattie offers an interesting subplot to a match which should feature something of a clash of styles: Stoke's direct, physical approach has been well-documented, while under Roberto Martinez, Wigan play (or at least attempt to) a fluid 4-2-31 system, with lots of short, neat passing serving their angry, powerful and sometimes brilliant frontman Hugo Rodallega.
The Verdict
'Tis true that neither side goes into this one in the best of form: Stoke have just one win in their last 5 (and even that was at home to bottom side Portsmouth, who also had a penalty saved). WIgan also have just 1 win in 5, and their recent run also happens to include a 9-1 horsing away at Spurs. Add to that their poor away record in the league this season (2-0-5) and the likely abscences of midfield enforcer Hendry Thomas and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, this pundit reckons that Stoke will edge this one.
The Bet
Stoke have scored just 13 goals in the league this season, the lowest total in the league, and despite Wigan's porous defence, it's difficult to see this one being full of goals, particularly given Stoke's decent defensive record (conceded 17 in the league this season). Therefore, this pundit will be backing Stoke outright, as well as having a look at under 2.5 goals (prices to follow this evening, I'm at work).
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Shifty's Season Preview Part 10 of We're Almost Done Now...
Wigan Athletic
New manager Roberto Martinez will look to have Wigan playing a more aesthetically-pleasing style this season. He is likely to switch to the 4-3-3 formation that his Swansea side played with such success last season, and has brought with him midfielder Jordi Gomez and striker Jason Scotland. Colombian Hugo Rodallega has had a few months to settle in to the Premier League, and therefore much will be expected of the powerful striker, who showed promise initially. Defensively, Wigan were very strong last season, quite an achievement for a side who regularly feature Titus Bramble. Chris Kirkland is just one of a plethora of players who this writer reckons have a chance of pushing for a World Cup place.
VerdictL As long as Martinez's side pick up points early on, they should be comfortably safe. Should they stay clear of injuries, then they might just sneak a Europa League spot
New manager Roberto Martinez will look to have Wigan playing a more aesthetically-pleasing style this season. He is likely to switch to the 4-3-3 formation that his Swansea side played with such success last season, and has brought with him midfielder Jordi Gomez and striker Jason Scotland. Colombian Hugo Rodallega has had a few months to settle in to the Premier League, and therefore much will be expected of the powerful striker, who showed promise initially. Defensively, Wigan were very strong last season, quite an achievement for a side who regularly feature Titus Bramble. Chris Kirkland is just one of a plethora of players who this writer reckons have a chance of pushing for a World Cup place.
VerdictL As long as Martinez's side pick up points early on, they should be comfortably safe. Should they stay clear of injuries, then they might just sneak a Europa League spot
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