We take a look at Wigan Athletic’s prospects leading up to the new Premier League season.
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Stadium: DW Stadium – 25,138
Nickname: The Latics
2011/12 League Position: 15th
Summer Signings
Ivan Ramis – Real Mallorca – £4m
Fraser Fyvie – Aberdeen – £500,000
Ryo Miyaichi – Arsenal – Loan
Arouna Kone – Levante – Undisclosed
Key Players
Ali Al Habsi – The Omani keeper admirably directed a backline still adapting to an odd formation last season. He has errors in his game, but Al Habsi is a fine shot stopper and an important player for Wigan.
James McCarthy – McCarthy has played nearly 200 career games and he’s only 21. He destroys players with his passing and energy.
Victor Moses – Moses has unlimited pace and plenty of skill, it’s obvious to see why the top clubs have chased his signature this summer.
Likely Line-Up
Team Tactics
- Wigan player their best football towards the end of last season using a 3-4-1-2.
- The three centre backs sit tight, while the wing backs drop in to cover.
- Maloney’s creativity and Moses’ pace are major weapons alongside Di Santo.
Opening Fixtures
August 19th Chelsea (H), 25th Southampton (A), September 1st Stoke (H), 15th Man United (A), 23rd Fulham (H), 29th Sunderland (A)
Verdict
It’s been a good summer so far for Wigan. They’ve managed to keep hold of boss Roberto Martinez, star players Moses, Figueroa and McCarthy, and beat off West Ham to sign Ivan Ramis.
The Latics seem to survive every season in the Premier League, but I think this year will be a tough test for the club. However, I could be very wrong. If they perform in the same way they did towards the end of the 2011/12 campaign, they have a great chance of finishing mid-table.
It’s a tough one to call, but I think this year could be Wigan’s last in the top flight. 19th