Wigan prediction

A tricky fixture awaits in store as we look to bounce back from the midweek Carling Cup exit, as we make the short journey to the JJB Stadium and attempt to secure our first Premier League victory over Wigan.

We are, in fact, their most favoured Premier League opponent, having won more times, gained more points and scored more goals against us than any other opponent since the arrival in the top flight.

It certainly won’t be an easy fixture, despite our recent goal fest in the league, as Wigan under Steve Bruce have performed well and he has assembled a useful side with the summer additions brought into the club.

The much-maligned Emile Heskey has played well of late, whilst the Egyptian, Zaki, has impressed in his brief time at the club, whilst Wilson Palacios is a strong presence from midfield.
Although, they have only one win under their belt, they have played well so far, and have been tight in defence, whilst they put 5 goals past Hull on their recent travels.

Expect the players rested in midweek to come back into the side, but one decision Mark Hughes may face is whether to stick with the fit-again Michael Johnson – if so, likely at the expense of Elano.

There have been times where a point would have been a good return from this fixture, but with raised expectations, three points should be what we are looking for, and I expect us to achieve that with a 2-1 win.