The disappointment of last season’s agonising extra time defeat to Queens Park Rangers in the play-off semi-finals continues to linger as Wigan’s attempts to repeat the feat have not exactly got off to the best start. Defeat against in-form Ipswich at the DW Stadium has pushed the Latics further down the table into 17th, although Uwe Rosler’s men can consider themselves unlucky after dominating the game and winning no less than 13 corners as their pressure failed to reap any dividends. Despite recording victories against struggling Blackpool and Birmingham, Wigan have, as yet, failed to hit the same heights and struggled to form any sort of consistency in the opening exchanges of the 2014/2015 Championship season.
Impressive acquisitions during the summer transfer window have further strengthened Wigan’s case to be amongst the promotion contenders once again, with William Kvist and Andy Delort illustrating Wigan’s ability to attract quality players to the club despite being a division below the Premier League. They are still finding their feet in English football, but early signs indicate they can make a real difference this season. Although the Latics’ promotion odds may have lengthened from the one I checked last week due to the Ipswich result and run of three games without a win, there is still cause to back Wigan to go one further and secure promotion.
Away vs Bournemouth
Despite a wonderful run of consecutive away-day victories last season during February and March, Wigan have since declined into a team who simply cannot buy a win away from home. Four defeats in five games this season, including the disappointing defeat to Burton in the Capital One Cup, is made worse by the fact that Wigan have only won one game away from the DW Stadium in the last eleven fixtures. Travelling to Bournemouth represents an extremely tough game, with Eddie Howe’s side renowned for playing eye-catching, free-flowing football on home soil. Wigan will have to be at their very best to get a positive result from The Goldsands Stadium, although Bournemouth have not been in the best of form themselves; they are without a win in six matches, dating back to a 1-0 victory against Brentford in mid-August. They have, however, recorded creditable draws at Norwich and Watford which proves their quality at this level.
Home vs Nottingham Forest
The league leaders will come to the DW Stadium on a high following an excellent start to the season under club icon Stuart Pearce who has instilled quality, passion and quality back into the team after a turbulent few seasons. Wigan may fancy their chances of surprising the odds and securing victory as they are much stronger on home soil; the team’s away form is something Rosler will have to address quickly, but Wigan’s style of play seems to generate the best performances and results at home. Scott Carson and his defence will have to be resolute against Britt Assombalonga, the Championship’s leading goal-scorer with eight goals in as many games. The young England striker has started the season on fire, and will look to severely test Wigan’s backline which is vastly experienced – something which may work in Rosler’s favour.
Away vs Wolves
Wigan’s poor away record could be extended by an in-form Wolves side who have a superb record at Molineux under Kenny Jackett. Seven consecutive victories, combined with a fifteen match unbeaten run at home, illustrates Wolves’ ability to put teams to the sword in front of their own fans. While they have only scored 8 goals so far this season, they currently hold the best defensive record in the Championship with just 3 goals conceded. Wolves carry a serious threat in attack through Bakary Sako and Nouha Dicko, but Wigan will need to get past a resolute defence including Richard Stearman and highly-rated Danny Batth if they are to take anything from what could be an extremely difficult game on their pursuit for promotion.
