Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea

It’s that time of year again. No I’m not talking about the two weeks or so that it is till Christmas i am talking about the forth coming encounter with Chelsea. Over the years theses matches have always provided something special and I am sure that Wigan fans all over the world will agree with me, that the first Premier League encounter of these two sides will live long in the memory.

It was also Chelsea, that we broke our ‘big four’ duck against beating them 3-1 in Martinez’s first year in charge, another game I am ever likely to forget. They have always been classic encounters, especially at the DW; the hope is that yet again our players can provided us with a corker of a match.

It has to be said, that Wigan are going into this game, off their best form of the season, having picked up seven point in their last four matches. Finally managing to string some results together, hopefully it can continue against Chelsea.

They have had a somewhat of a hit and miss start to the season. All the hype around Andreas Villas Boas (AVB) appointment has now died down, and it didn’t take long for the Chelsea faithful to get on his back. It looked like it could even get worse when John Terry racial integrity is under such high scrutiny.

Are we playing them at the right time?

Our squad goes into the game, knowing we really need points. Sunderland are revived under new management, while Blackburn face other teams in the lower half of the table. The only concern we don’t really have, is that Bolton, can’t seem to buy points at the moment.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though. Emmerson Boyce is finally set to play again (hurray), while Antolin Alcaraz will have a late fitness test, after results today show he hasn’t fractured a rib. Continuity with a full strength back line, show all pluses for Wigan.

Chelsea go into the game having had a really good past week. After two disappointing result against Liverpool, they rallied and now have the scalps of Manchester City and Valencia under their belt. Could we be their one step too far?

This week the player I think Latics have to watch out for, is the latest addition to the Chelsea side. Juan Mata, who joined in the summer from Valencia, as been one of Chelsea’s stars this season, looking very much a Premier League player.

Quick, agile and with a fast football brain, it isn’t just his footwork you have to look out for. He reminds me very much of Manchester City’s David Silva, in that he can play anywhere in the midfield and has the energy and the brain to open up defences from anywhere on the pitch. Hopefully Saturday won’t be one of his better days.

What else do I need to say? The lads have the game at their feet. Best form we have been in since back end of last year and all of them seem to be motoring nicely, if we the crowd can get behind them well and give them that extra push. I could see us taking all three points.

In football you never know what happens.

Keep the faith!